Arkansas’ unemployment rate was 3.5 percent in October and unchanged from the previous month, according to a report released Friday by the state Department of Workforce Services.
The U.S. jobless rate of 3.7 was also unchanged from September.
“After dropping for three months in a row, Arkansas’ unemployment rate was unchanged at 3.5 percent in October. The stable jobless rate reflects the trend seen at the national level,” BLS Program Operations Manager Susan Price said in a news release.
Year over year, the report said, five major industry sectors posted growth and five sectors saw losses.
The largest increase was in professional and business services, up by 5,500 jobs. Most of the gains were in administrative and support services, which includes employment agencies.
Education and health services added 3,200 jobs. Financial activities gained 1,400 jobs.
Manufacturing and construction added 2,200 jobs and 1,100 jobs, respectively. Most of the gains were in nondurable goods manufacturing and related to hiring in food manufacturing.
Leisure and hospitality posted the largest decline of 1,600 jobs, while other services lost 1,200 jobs and information lost 1,000 jobs.
Mining and logging sector lost 300 jobs. Trade, transportation and utilities lost 100 jobs.
Government totals were unchanged.
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