Arkansas' unemployment rate decreased three-tenths of a percentage point to 3.4% from October to November, according to a report released Friday by the state Division of Workforce Services.
The report showed Arkansas' civilian labor force rose by 583, the result of 4,764 more employed and 4,181 fewer unemployed Arkansans. The U.S. jobless rate was 4.2% in November, down four-tenths of a percentage point from October.
“Arkansas’ unemployment rate continues to decline, down to 3.4 percent in November. While there have been fluctuations in employment over the past year, there are now 49,366 more employed Arkansans compared to November 2020,” BLS Program Operations Manager Susan Price said in a news release.
Compared to November 2020, Arkansas' nonfarm payroll jobs are up by 30,200. Nine major industry sectors reported growth:
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Professional and business services jobs increased by 11,100, mostly in administrative and support services (8,400).
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Manufacturing added 5,800 jobs. Expansions in durable goods (7,800) were offset by declines in nondurable goods (2,000).
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Financial activities 4,700 jobs, mostly in finance and insurance (4,000).
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Leisure and hospitality added 3,900 jobs.
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Trade, transportation and utilities jobs increased by 3,600, mostly in transportation-warehousing-utilities (3,800).
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Construction lost 3,600 jobs.
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Educational and health services added 2,800 jobs.
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Other services added 2,300 jobs.
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Government lost 1,600 jobs.
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Information added 900 jobs.
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Mining and logging added 300 jobs.
