Kansas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 3.8% in March, unchanged from February but up from 3.3% in March 2024, according to preliminary data from the Kansas Department of Labor and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state’s labor force participation rate dipped slightly to 67.1%.

Nonfarm payroll employment in Kansas rose by 900 jobs from February. Private sector jobs increased by 600, while government employment grew by 300. The largest private sector gains came from leisure and hospitality (+1,100 jobs) and financial activities (+400 jobs). Trade, transportation, and utilities saw the biggest decline, shedding 1,000 jobs.

Compared to March 2024, Kansas has added 2,700 total nonfarm jobs. This includes a loss of 700 private sector jobs, offset by an increase of 3,400 jobs in government.