TOPEKA — Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.5% in March. This was unchanged from 2.5% in February and a decrease from 3.5% in March 2021.
“The Kansas unemployment rate held steady at 2.5% in March,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. “Despite a slowdown in job growth this month, Kansas employers continue to show gains compared to last year.”
Riley County's jobless rate jumped slightly from 2.3 percent in February to 2.6 percent in March. Geary County saw a similar jump from 3.5 to 3.8 percent. Clay, Pottawatomie, and Wabaunsee County all saw a slight increase.
Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 2,300 from February. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs decreased by 1,800 over the month, while government decreased by 500.
“Kansas hourly wages trended higher in March, rising 6.6% over the year,” said Labor Economist Nathan Kessler. “However, due to continued inflationary pressure, Kansas real hourly earnings declined by 1.8% compared to March 2021.”
Since March 2021 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 19,900. This change is due to an increase of 20,500 private sector jobs and a decrease of 600 government jobs.
The April 2022 Labor Report will be released on Friday, May 20.