New Mexico's economy added 10,100 jobs in the year that ended April 30, for a 1.3 percent growth rate.
Eight industry sectors gained jobs, and three had losses, according to monthly data from the U.S. Bureau Statistics.
One of the biggest surprises came from the manufacturing sector, which grew by 1,000 jobs, or 3.1 percent. Until late last year, manufacturing had suffered two decades of job losses.
Another strong performer was the professional and business sector, which added 3,900 jobs. That sector has some of the highest paying jobs in the economy – architects, lawyers and engineers.
But New Mexico's job growth was the lowest of any state in the region. Nevada had the highest growth rate at 3.6 percent, followed by Utah at 3.3 percent.
And, as of April, New Mexico still hadn't regained all the jobs it lost during the recession.