The state’s unemployment rate remained at 3.6% in February, the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services reported Friday.
The U.S. jobless rate in February rose one-tenth of a percentage point to 4.1%.
In Arkansas, the civilian labor force increased by 1,345, reaching a new record high of 1.42 million. The labor force participation rate in February remained at 58.4%.
Compared to February 2024, there were 18,205 more people employed in the state. The unemployment rate is up two-tenths of a percentage point. Arkansas’ labor force participation rate is up four-tenths of a percentage point on an annual basis.
On a monthly basis, nonfarm payroll jobs rose by 3,600 in February. The largest increase was in government (+2,500), as public colleges and universities return to normal staffing levels after the holiday break. Private education and health services added 1,400 jobs, split between private educational services (+700) and health care and social assistance (+700).
Compared to February 2024, Arkansas’ nonfarm payroll jobs increased by 13,600. Jobs in private education and health services are up 6,600, with most expansions in health care and social assistance (+6,500). Trade, transportation and utilities rose 4,400, with hiring seen across all subsectors. Other notable increases were reported in professional and business services (+2,600), manufacturing (+1,400), and in financial activities (+1,000).
Other sectors and their changes from February 2024:
- Government: +700
- Other services: flat
- Mining and logging: -200
- Construction: -700
- Leisure & hospitality: -1,200
- Information: -1,200
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