Nevada led US in first-quarter job growth, officials say

Nevada had the fastest private-sector job growth in the United States at 3.6 percent in the first quarter of 2017, the governor’s office said on Tuesday.

The state has added 40,000 jobs relative to the first quarter of 2016.

“I am pleased to see the progress that we have made in the Silver State in rebounding from the recession,” Gov. Brian Sandoval said in a statement. “Moving to first place in job growth nationwide is a testament to the tremendous resolve of our citizens and businesses and the dedication everyone has shown in putting Nevada on top once again.”

Prior to the recession, the state led the country in job growth at 6.4. But it was the hardest hit during the recession with a -10.1 growth rate in 2009.

Nevada leads the way in job growth ahead of Idaho, Florida, Utah and Georgia.

“The Silver State’s showing reflects broad-based and diversified growth across nearly all industries. Nevada’s job gains are more modest than prior to the recession, which is a positive, as that boomlike growth proved to be unsustainable,” Bill Anderson, chief economist for Nevada’s Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation, said in the statement.

“The pace of growth that we are seeing now is more consistent and, barring any surprises, sustainable, going forward,” he also said.