Private-sector jobs grew 48% in April over one year ago

Jobs added by Florida’s private-sector employers grew 48 percent in April over a year ago, according to payroll firm ADP’s regional report released Wednesday.

Florida employers added 16,300 jobs during the month compared with 10,992 jobs in April 2017.

Florida added the largest number of jobs — 3,900 — in professional and business services. That was followed by 2,600 in construction and mining; 1,700 in manufacturing; and 1,400 in trade, transportation and utilities.

The state’s official employment report for April, which includes government jobs, is scheduled to be released on May 18. In March, construction jobs were particularly strong in South Florida, with the three counties adding more than 10,000 jobs that month over the year.

PNC Bank chief economist Gus Faucher said increased business activity is driving commercial construction. He also said he expected the job market to get tighter this year as employers add more jobs and unemployment continues to decline.

Nationwide, private-sector employers added 204,000 jobs during April compared with 155,373 in the same month a year ago, for an increase of more than 31 percent. Mid-sized employers, with 50 to 499 workers, added the most jobs — 88,000 — in April.

Of all states, Texas added the most jobs, 30,400, followed by California with 20,300. Florida ranked third with 16,300 jobs, according to ADP.