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Some metropolitan areas have a booming jobs market, thanks to energy, manufacturing, or sometimes just the right mix of highly diversified industries. Here's a look at the 10 metros that have seen the largest percentage increase in jobs over the past 12 months:
Cogenra Solar's 75kW solar cogeneration array is delivering hot water and electricity to the General Hydroponics manufacturing facility in Santa Rosa, Calif., in this 2011 photo. Santa Rosa depends on a mix of industries – from high tech to tourism – to buoy its economy. (Business Wire/File)
7. Santa Rosa-Petaluma, Calif.: +5.3 percent
Santa Rosa is the largest of the Top 10 job-growth metros – and one of the most diversified. Industries range from agriculture to biotech. The metro has a vibrant tourism sector and serves as a gateway to California's wine country. It also sports a strong entrepreneurial sector. The employment spurt in the area has been led by construction, up 10.5 percent over the past year, and manufacturing, up 7.1 percent.
