TOPEKA, Kan. – 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 2.8 percent in June. This is a decrease from 2.9 percent in May and an increase from 2.6 percent in June 2022.
The unemployment rate in Hays was 2.2 percent in June up slightly from 1.9 percent in May. Russell County's rate also was up slightly to 2.6 percent in June compared to 2.4 percent in May.
Trego County's unemployment rate continues to decline from 3 percent in May to 2.9 percent in June.
“After remaining unchanged for seven consecutive months, the Kansas unemployment rate declined in June to end the second quarter at 2.8 percent,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. “This is an increase from 2.6 percent one year ago, but is still one of the lowest unemployment rates recorded in the state of Kansas.”
Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 1,000 from May. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs increased by 300 over the month, while government increased by 700.
“Average nominal hourly earnings in the Kansas private sector grew 2.3 percent over the year in June, as national inflation rates slowed for the 12th consecutive month,” said labor economist, Nathan Kessler.
“While they remain above the Federal Reserve target, inflation rates are now more aligned with wage growth compared to much of the past 18 months.”
Since June 2022 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 31,900. This change is due to an increase of 27,200 private sector jobs and an increase of 4,700 government jobs.
Complete Kansas labor market information for June is available here.
The July 2023 Labor Report will be released Aug. 18.