Virginia’s unemployment rate fell for the fourth straight month in March to 5.6 percent with nearly every sector of the economy showing job growth, the state announced Friday.
March’s rate dropped one tick from February’s mark of 5.7 percent and is 0.6 percent below March 2011.
Virginia has the lowest unemployment rate in the southeast and is significantly below the national rate of 8.2 percent.
“Now, we must keep this positive momentum going,” Gov. Bob McDonnell said. “Virginia’s economy is recovering, but it is still early. Too many Virginians still need good jobs. Our work isn’t through until they are working again.”
Leisure and hospitality services saw the largest net job gains with 14,100, as the tourism industry gears up for its busy summer season. Private education and healthcare added 3,700 jobs and 3,200 new local, state and federal government positions were created, to round out the top three.
In all, the state added 32,200 jobs in March.
Still, while more Virginians are back on the job, some are making less than they once did. Manufacturers added 1,200 jobs last month, but the weekly wage for a worker was $38.50 less than March 2011. Hourly pay was down nearly $1.
