
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 2.9 percent for the state in May. This is unchanged from 2.9 percent in April and an increase from 2.5 percent in May 2022.
Ellis and Trego both saw slight dips in their unemployment rates. Ellis' rate fell from 2.1 percent to 1.9 percent. Trego County's rate fell from 3.1 percent to 3 percent.
Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 1,500 from April. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs decreased by 2,200 over the month, while government increased by 700.
“Kansas estimates for both monthly labor market surveys indicate little change in May,” said labor economist, Emilie Doerksen. “The survey of employers shows no significant change in job estimates over the month. While the survey of households indicates a small increase in employment, there was no change in the unemployment rate at 2.9 percent.”
Since May 2022 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 31,800. This change is due to an increase of 26,600 private sector jobs and an increase of 5,200 government jobs.
The June 2023 Labor Report will be released on Friday, July 21.