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 2.4% in June. This was an increase from 2.3 percent in May and a decrease from 3.5 percent in June 2021.
“Even with a slight uptick to 2.4 percent, the Kansas unemployment rate remained near historic lows in June,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. “This indicates strength in the Kansas job market as people continue to find employment across the state.”
The jobless rate in Ellis County rose from 1.7 percent in May to 2.1 percent in June. Just one county west of Wichita had a June unemployment rate above 3 percent.
Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 4,600 from May. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs increased by 700 over the month, while government increased by 3,900.
“The Kansas economy saw robust hiring in June, adding 4,600 jobs over the month,” said Labor Economist Nathan Kessler. “While the job market remains strong, real hourly earnings continue to decline as a result of persistently high inflation, falling 4.1% compared to June 2021.”
Since June 2021 Kansas' seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 20,800. This change is due to an increase of 21,800 private sector jobs and a decrease of 1,000 government jobs.