Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information (LMI) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.8% in February. This is unchanged from 3.8% in January and an increase from 3.2% in February 2024. The labor force participation rate for Kansas decreased to 67.2% in February, according to a media release from the KDOL.
The unemployment rate in Saline County is up slightly from 3.4 percent in January to 3.6 percent in February. The rate is also up from 3.7 to 3.9 percent in Dickinson County.
Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 1,100 from January. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs decreased by 500 over the month, while government increased by 1,600. The largest job gains in the private sector were in construction (+700 jobs) and professional and business services (+500 jobs). The largest decrease was in trade, transportation and utilities (-800 jobs).
Since February 2024 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 3,800. This change is due to a decrease of 100 private sector jobs and an increase of 3,900 government jobs.