Michigan’s unemployment rate held steady at 5.0% in March, marking the fifth month in a row without change, state officials announced Friday.
While the rate remained flat, the state’s total workforce shrank by 14,000 people during the month. This decline follows a three-month trend of fewer people participating in the job market.
The state’s job market showed mixed results. Michigan added about 5,000 payroll jobs in March. The biggest gains were in professional services and the leisure and hospitality industry. However, these gains were offset by losses in trade, transportation, and manufacturing.
Compared to the rest of the country, Michigan’s jobless rate is slightly higher. The U.S. unemployment rate dropped to 4.3% in March.
Overall, Michigan’s employment levels have seen a small dip over the past year. Since March 2025, the state has lost about 9,000 nonfarm jobs, though sectors like government and health services continue to grow.