Arkansas' unemployment rate in February was 3.8 percent, up one-tenth of a percentage point from the previous month.
But the U.S. jobless rate dropped two-tenths of a percent point to 3.8 percent between January and February, according to a report released Friday by the state Department of Workforce Services.
"The number of employed in Arkansas rose 1,758 in February, adding slightly to the civilian labor force. There are currently 6,592 more employed Arkansans than in February 2018," BLS Program Operations Manager Susan Price said in a news release.
Compared to February 2018, Arkansas' nonfarm payroll employment is up by 11,600. Growth came in seven major industry sectors, while four sectors saw losses.
- Jobs in manufacturing increased by 4,700, with most of the gains being in durable goods.
- Trade, transportation and utilities added 3,000 jobs.
- Employment in leisure and hospitality rose by 2,300, with all the gains being in food services.
- Educational and health services gained 1,800 jobs, all in health care and social assistance.
- Government added 1,400 jobs, mostly in local government.
- Both the financial activities sector and other services sector gained 600 jobs.
- Professional and business services lost 2,100 jobs, mostly in administrative and support services.
- Employment in information dropped by 300.
- Both the mining and logging sector and the construction sector both lost 200 jobs.
