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 2.3% in May. This was a decrease from 2.4% in April and a decrease from 3.4% in May 2021.
“Both monthly labor market surveys indicate little change over the month for Kansas,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. “However, a small increase in employment estimates from the household survey caused the unemployment rate to decrease to 2.3% in May.”
Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 1,100 from April. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs decreased by 1,200 over the month, while government increased by 100.
“Although private sector job estimates showed no significant change over the month, an increase in the number of jobs and hours worked compared to May 2021 shows strength in the Kansas job market,” said Labor Economist Nathan Kessler. “At the same time, inflation continues to offset wage growth with real hourly earnings declining over the year.”
Since May 2021 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 18,400. This change is due to an increase of 19,200 private sector jobs and a decrease of 800 government jobs.
Complete Kansas labor market information for May is available here.
The June 2022 Labor Report will be released on Friday, July 22.