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 April. This is unchanged from 3.8% in March and an increase from 3.4% in April 2024. The labor force participation rate for Kansas was unchanged at 67.1% in April, according to a media release from the KDOL.
The unemployment rate in Saline County is down from 3.5 percent in March to 3.2 percent. The rate is also down in Dickinson, Ellsworth and counties across central Kansas.
Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 1,400 from March. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs increased by 1,500 over the month, while government decreased by 100. The largest job gains in the private sector were in professional and business services (+2,500 jobs). The largest decrease was in private education and health services (-600 jobs).
Since April 2024 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 2,800. This change is due to a decrease of 700 private sector jobs and an increase of 3,500 government jobs.