Arkansas Unemployment Drops to 3.6% in April

Arkansas’ unemployment rate in April was 3.6%, down one-tenth of a percentage point from the previous month.

The U.S. jobless also dropped two-tenths of a percentage point, to 3.6% from 3.8% between March and April, according to a report released Friday by the state Department of Workforce Services.

“Employment in Arkansas rose for the fourth straight month, with 10,700 more employed over-the-year. Nonfarm payroll jobs also increased, setting a new record high number of jobs in the State,” BLS Program Operations Manager Susan Price said in a news release.

Compared to April 2018, Arkansas’ nonfarm payroll employment is up by 14,300. Growth came in nine major industry sectors, while two sectors saw losses.

• Jobs in manufacturing increased by 3,700, gains being in both durable and nondurable goods.
• Employment in construction rose by 2,800.

• Leisure and hospitality gained 2,100 jobs, all in accommodation and food services.

• Trade, transportation and utilities added 1,800 jobs, mostly in wholesale trade.

• Educational and health services gained 1,600 jobs, all in health care and social assistance.

• Jobs in the government sector increased by 1,300, in both state and federal government.

• Financial activities and other services added 600 jobs apiece.

• Professional and business services gained 100 jobs.

• Mining and logging lost 200 jobs, and information lost 100 jobs.