The job markets of Wisconsin and metropolitan Milwaukee rank among the best in the nation, according to the latest ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey.
Overall, 28 percent of Wisconsin employers surveyed said they expect to increase staff levels during the three months from July through September, while just 5 percent said they expect to cut back on staffing. That yields a state Net Employment Outlook of 23 percent, among the 10 highest in the nation.
The Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis market ranked among the top metropolitan markets in the nation with a Net Employment Outlook of 23 percent.
“The third quarter survey results show slightly stronger optimism about hiring expectations compared to quarter 2 when the Net Employment Outlook was 21 percent,” said Manpower spokeswoman Nicole Langley. “Compared to one year ago when the Net Employment Outlook was 19 percent, employers anticipate an uptick in the hiring pace.”
For the coming quarter, job prospects appear best in Construction, Durable Goods Manufacturing, Nondurable Goods Manufacturing, Transportation & Utilities, Wholesale & Retail Trade, Information, Financial Activities, Professional & Business Services, Education & Health Services, Leisure & Hospitality and Government. Hiring in Other Services is expected to remain unchanged.
Of the more than 18,000 employers surveyed in the United States, employers report a seasonally adjusted Net Employment Outlook of +14 percent. This is the strongest Net Employment Outlook since the second quarter of 2008, when the Outlook was also +14 percent.
“We’re seeing a measured level of improvement across all labor segments that has been building over the last five years,” said Jonas Prising, chief executive officer of Milwaukee-based ManpowerGroup. “While dramatic jumps in hiring are uncommon, we continue to see a slow, yet steady, increase in demand for talent from our clients as they take a holistic approach in rebuilding their employee base.”
