В округе Рок количество рабочих мест осталось почти без изменений, но выросли зарплаты и число предприятий

Rock County entered 2026 with nearly the same number of private-sector jobs as a year earlier, even as employment shifted significantly among some of the county’s largest industries, according to newly released federal data. Private employers accounted for 61,034 jobs in Rock County in March, up just 204 jobs, or 0.3%, from 60,830 in March 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages. Across public and private employers, total employment was virtually unchanged at 69,084 jobs. These quarterly figures differ from the unemployment and employment estimates released each month. Monthly estimates offer a more current snapshot of the labor market. The QCEW is based largely on unemployment-insurance records and provides a more comprehensive — but less timely — look at jobs, wages and workplaces by industry. Health care, construction lead gains Education and health services recorded the largest employment increase among the county’s broad private-sector categories, growing from 11,099 jobs in March 2025 to 11,352 this year. That’s an increase of 253 jobs, or 2.3%. Construction posted the strongest percentage growth among the major sectors, adding 172 jobs to reach 4,057, an increase of 4.4%. Manufacturing remained stable. The sector employed 11,458 people in March, up just 42 jobs, or 0.4%, from a year earlier. Other major industries moved in the opposite direction. Trade, transportation and utilities — Rock County’s largest broad private-sector employment category — lost 217 jobs, declining 1.3% to 16,239. Professional and business services fell by 129 jobs, or 2.1%, to 6,067. Manufacturing wages rise The federal data also show wages increasing in several major industries. Manufacturing’s average weekly wage increased from $1,378 during the first quarter of 2025 to $1,456 this year, a gain of 5.7%. Construction wages rose 4.7%, from $1,586 to $1,660 per week. Across all public and private employment, Rock County’s average weekly wage increased just 0.5%, from $1,267 to $1,273. More workplaces but relatively few additional jobs The number of private-sector establishments, or individual workplaces covered by unemployment insurance programs, increased much faster than employment. The federal data counted 3,971 private establishments in Rock County during the first quarter, up from 3,852 a year earlier. That’s an increase of 119 workplaces, or 3.1%, compared with private-sector employment growth of just 0.3%. Education and health services accounted for more than half of the net increase, growing from 764 establishments in early 2025 to 830 this year. Print edition of Rock Commerce coming later in September The next print edition of Rock Commerce will hit newsstands in late September, with stories focused on the past, present and future of downtown Janesville and Beloit. Featured stories will include: • How Janesville and Beloit’s downtown redevelopment strategies differ. • Why cities continue to invest resources in downtown redevelopment. To subscribe, visit the Janesville Gazette and Beloit Daily News websites. Let the news come to you Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines, obituaries, and more. Explore newsletters