Job Openings Up, But Wages Stagnant In Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota job openings are at their highest in more than a decade but wages still aren't high enough to support a family.

The Star Tribune reports new state data show those mixed findings. Minnesota has the most job openings since 2001, according to the biannual report from Minnesota's Department of Employment and Economic Development.

While wages for vacant jobs have increased, they still fall below the $14 hourly benchmark for two working parents to support a family of four. The median wage of $12.99 an hour isn't enough in the Twin Cities, where two-thirds of Minnesota residents live.

Jobs in sales, administrative support and food preparation and serving accounted for more than a third of the 98,000 current openings.