(INDIANAPOLIS) – There was no change in Indiana's unemployment rate from March to April.

According to the Indiana Department of Workplace Development, Indiana's unemployment rate stayed at 2.2% from March to April. By comparison, the national unemployment rate in April was 3.6%, the same as March.

In addition, Indiana’s labor force participation rate rose again, from 62.4% in March to 62.6% in April, surpassing the national rate of 62.2%. Indiana’s total labor force, which includes both Hoosiers employed and those seeking employment, stands at 3,347,813, which is an increase of 15,383 from the previous month.

DWD Commissioner Fred Payne says they continue to be encouraged by the increasing number of Hoosiers who are re-entering the workforce. He says with unemployment sitting at its lowest point in a generation, it’s a great time to take advantage of the job opportunities that are available.

Private sector employment in Indiana decreased by 3,000 jobs over the last month, translating to a gain of 98,500 jobs from this time last year. Total private employment now stands at 2,751,700. Industries that experienced job increases in April included: Manufacturing (+1,600); Private Educational & Health Services (+1,100); Financial Activities (+700) and Trade, Transportation & Utilities (+300).