The state of Nevada posted its highest month-over-month job growth total in 10 years in April as the unemployment rate remained at 7.1% due to an expanding labor force, according to the monthly employment report from the state’s Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation. A seasonally-adjusted total of 12,800 jobs were added in April 2015, the highest total for any month since April 2005.

The number of jobs in the construction industry in the Silver State has grown by nearly 10 percent (9.2% to be precise) since April 2014, with 5,700 new jobs in the industry during that year. Employment in the construction industry increased by 2,200 in the state, on a seasonally-adjusted basis, during April 2015.

Specialty Trade Contractors added 4,500 jobs during the past year, an increase of 10.4%, with employment increasing by 1,800 in April alone. Employment figures in this industry subsector are not seasonally adjusted.

Overall employment in Nevada has increased by more than 97,000 since the bottom of the recession. More than 41,000 jobs have been added since April 2014. DETR projects employment in the Silver State will increase by 45,000 in 2015, 52,000 in 2016 and 60,000 in 2017.

“It is encouraging to see that for the 52nd consecutive month, we have experienced a year-over-year gain in jobs in Nevada,” said Governor Brian Sandoval. “The Silver State saw an astounding addition of 12,800 jobs for the month of April, much higher than what was projected and making it the most significant month-over-month gain in 10 years. Nevertheless, we must stay the course and continue our efforts in growing Nevada’s economy and in providing innovative opportunities to help Nevadans return to work.”

The labor force increased by 20,300 from April 2014 and April 2015 with 5,000 joining the labor force in April 2015.

Figures for geographic areas were not available in this report.