Carson City, NV (KXNT) - - Nevada added 6,300 jobs over the month, with Leisure and Hospitality contributing 3,400 jobs, according to the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation’s (DETR) February 2022 economic report.
Employment remains below typical levels, but is up 126,700 since February 2021, an annual increase of 9.7%. The large increase in employment over the year reflects the significant effects of the pandemic over the last year.
Nevada’s unemployment rate in February is 5.1 percent, down 0.1 from January, and down 4.7 percentage points when compared to February 2021.
“It is promising to see the latest numbers from February’s economic report, particularly the continued rebound in employment growth in Nevada. It’s great to see gains made in leisure and hospitality, the hardest hit industry in our State. Across all State agencies, we are focused on creating more economic opportunity for Nevadans,” said Governor Steve Sisolak.
"Nevada's strong over-the-month employment growth in February was led by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Statistical Area, with the number of jobs up 0.7 percent since last month. The State’s unemployment rate continues a steady decline, down from 5.2 percent in January to 5.1 percent in February. The State’s labor market is continuing its recovery as we emerge from the COVID recession, particularly in the industries that were hit hardest by the pandemic,” said David Schmidt, Chief Economist.
Specific to Las Vegas, DETR said the valley gained 7,600 jobs in February, and has gained 116,400 jobs since February of 2021