TOPEKA, Kan. – Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services (LMIS) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.4% in October. This is an increase from 3.3% in September and an increase from 2.6% in October 2023, according to a media release from the agency.
Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 200 from September. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs decreased by 1,500 over the month, while government increased by 1,300.
The unemployment rate in Riley County is up slightly from 3.1 percent in September to 3.4 percent in October The rate is also up in Geary, Wabaunsee and Pottatawomie counties.
“Job estimates for the private sector in Kansas have increased by 1.3% over the year, despite a small decline over the month in October,” said labor economist, Emilie Doerksen. “Nominal hourly earnings also experienced strong growth over the year, increasing by 5.1%.”
Since October 2023 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 20,900. This change is due to an increase of 15,900 private sector jobs and an increase of 5,000 government jobs.
Complete Kansas labor market information for October is available by clicking here.