Indiana again posted significant private sector job gains adding 7,700 new jobs in May. This marks the seventh consecutive month of job growth and the best December to May period in over a decade, so announced Workforce Development.

The Hoosier state accounted for almost 10 percent of the total U.S. increase. For 2012, Indiana’s private sector gains (1.6 percent) have doubled that of the nation (0.8 percent).

Since July 2009, the low point of employment in Indiana, private sector job growth in the Hoosier state has nearly doubled the national rate (6.1 percent versus 3.2 percent).

“Indiana continues to be a leader in job growth,” said Scott B. Sanders, Commissioner of the Department of Workforce Development. “Since the beginning of the year, the state has added 38,700 total private sector jobs led by 12,200 in manufacturing.” Indiana’s unemployment rate remained steady at 7.9 percent, 0.3 percent below the national rate of 8.2 percent. For the second month in a row Indiana’s rate was below the national average.

Employment by Sector Sectors showing significant gains in May include: Trade, Transportation and Utilities (4,200), Private Educational and Health Services (4,100), and Professional and Business Services (1,100). Leisure and Hospitality declined over the month (-1,000.) Total non-farm employment increased in May (9,400).