Indiana’s unemployment rate held steady at 3.7% in May, remaining below the national rate of 4.2%, according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.

The state’s labor force participation rate was 63.7%, also higher than the national average of 62.4%. That figure reflects the percentage of Hoosiers aged 16 and older who are either employed or actively seeking work. Indiana’s total labor force now stands at 3,485,635 people.

Private sector employment in Indiana increased by 8,400 jobs in May. The largest gains were in private educational and health services, which added 3,800 jobs. Leisure and hospitality followed with an increase of 2,100 jobs. Other increases came from professional and business services, which added 1,200 jobs, as well as manufacturing and construction, each with 700 new positions. An additional 1,300 jobs were added across various other sectors.

As of June 1, there were 87,114 open job postings statewide. Continued unemployment insurance claims totaled 21,755 for the week ending June 7.

Job seekers are encouraged to visit https://www.in.gov/dwd/job-seekers/ for employment, training, and career resources.