TED: The Economics Daily

Unemployment rates were higher in March 2024 than a year earlier in 269 of the 389 metropolitan areas, lower in 89 areas, and unchanged in 31 areas. A total of 77 areas had jobless rates of less than 3.0 percent and 12 areas had rates of at least 8.0 percent.

The National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction runs from May 6 through May 10 and highlights fall hazards and fall prevention in the construction industry. In 2022, nearly 1 in 5 workplace deaths occurred in the construction industry and 38.4 percent of these deaths were due to falls, slips, and trips. The construction industry accounted for close to half, 47.4 percent, of all fatal falls, slips, and trips in 2022.

From March 2023 to March 2024, nonfarm payroll employment increased in 31 states and was essentially unchanged in 19 states and the District of Columbia. The largest percentage increases occurred in Idaho (+3.7 percent), Nevada (+3.4 percent), Alaska (+3.2 percent), and South Carolina (+2.8 percent).

Median weekly earnings of the nation's 119.2 million full-time wage and salary workers were $1,139 in the first quarter of 2024. Median weekly earnings were $1,227 for men and $1,021 for women.