Minnesota Metro Areas Report Mixed Employment Results
Rochester and other regions see job declines while the Twin Cities continue to add new positions in September 2026.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Employment
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The Rochester metropolitan statistical area recorded a loss of 730 jobs in September 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. While the Twin Cities saw growth, most other Minnesota metropolitan areas experienced similar declines during the month.
Why it matters
Employment shifts across the state reflect uneven economic conditions as labor market participation and unemployment rates fluctuate statewide. These regional differences highlight how specific sectors like health services and professional services are impacting local job stability.
Minnesota's unemployment rate reached 4.5 percent in September, while the labor force participation rate fell to 66.7 percent. The state lost approximately 4,600 total jobs on a seasonally adjusted basis despite gains in the Twin Cities.
The players
Rochester
This Minnesota metropolitan statistical area reported a job growth rate of negative six-tenths of a percentage point in September 2026.
Twin Cities
This metropolitan region stands as the only area in the report to post significant job gains, adding over 22,000 positions.
The details
Job losses in Rochester, Duluth, St. Cloud, and Mankato were driven by declines in the education, health services, and professional services sectors. These losses offset gains made in manufacturing, construction, and hospitality, while the Twin Cities bucked the trend by adding over 22,000 jobs.
Timeline
September 2025 served as the baseline for the year-over-year employment comparison.
September 2026 was the period when Rochester experienced job losses of 730 positions.
Macro View
This regional data follows the established pattern of labor market variance often captured in the Bureau of Labor Statistics monthly employment situation summary. It highlights how local economic cycles can diverge significantly from national employment trends.
The regional job declines may signal tightening labor markets in specific Minnesota cities, potentially affecting local hiring opportunities and wage growth. Readers should monitor local employment trends as the 4.5 percent statewide unemployment rate suggests varying levels of job security across different industries.
The takeaway
Economic health varies significantly by region, requiring residents to monitor local industry performance rather than just statewide averages. Keeping track of regional job growth can provide a clearer picture of potential career opportunities in your specific area.
Further reading
For more on local labor market trends, read our Minnesota Employment reports.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KDHL AM 920.
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