New Data Shows Rochester Area Job Losses Mounting

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - After a lengthy period of strong job gains, job losses continued to mount in the Rochester area last month.

More Than 1,100 Jobs Lost Over the Past Year

The latest jobs data released by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development indicate that overall employment in the Rochester Metropolitan Statistical Area shrank by nearly 1,100 positions from April of last year through last month. That equates to a negative job growth rate of nearly 1% and follows the year-over-year loss of approximately 100 jobs reported for March.

Sharp Contrast With Strong 2025 Growth

By comparison, the jobs data from April 2025 showed a year-over-year gain of more than 6,300 jobs, representing a job growth rate of 5.1%.

Every Major Minnesota Metro Posts Job Losses

Every large metropolitan area in the state recorded year-over-year job losses in April. The monthly report shows the Twin Cities area experienced a loss of 8,700 jobs for a negative job growth rate of 0.4%, while Duluth posted a negative job growth rate of 0.9% with a net loss of about 1,200 jobs.

St. Cloud and Mankato both recorded negative job growth rates of 0.8%, with St. Cloud reporting a net loss of 835 jobs and Mankato seeing a decline of about 500 jobs.

Statewide Job Growth Remains Weak

Statewide, the annual job growth rate was only one-tenth of a percentage point, with a net gain of a little more than 4,000 jobs.

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Minnesota Unemployment Rate Remains Above National Level

The report indicates Minnesota's economy experienced a net gain of nearly 16,000 jobs from March through April, while the size of the state's labor force shrank by more than 10,000 people. That resulted in a seasonally adjusted jobless rate of 4.5%, matching the unemployment rate reported for March. It also marked another month in which Minnesota's jobless rate was higher than the national unemployment rate of 4.3%.