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Tony Evers, Governor
Amy Pechacek, Secretary

Department of Workforce Development
Secretary's Office
201 E. Washington Avenue
P.O. Box 7946
Madison, WI 53707-7946
Telephone: (608) 266-3131
Fax: (608) 266-1784
Email: sec@dwd.wisconsin.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 7, 2024
CONTACT: DWD Communications
CommunicationsOffice@dwd.wisconsin.gov

BLS Data: Wisconsin Sets New Records in Total State Jobs, Employment

MADISON – The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) today released the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) job totals for January 2024, which showed Wisconsin's total nonfarm jobs, private jobs, and employment all hit new all-time highs.

The state added 5,100 nonfarm jobs and 4,700 private jobs, bringing both totals to historic highs, 3,026,900 and 2,621,000 respectively. The state also made gains in employment, increasing by 2,900 over the month and 29,300 over the year to a record 3,047,500. Wisconsin's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.2% in January, while the state's total labor force participation rate remained at 65.9%.

Nationwide for the month of January, the U.S. unemployment rate remained at 3.7%, 0.5 percentage points above Wisconsin's rate. The national labor force participation rate of 62.5% was 3.4 percentage points below the state rate.

Place of Residence Data: Wisconsin's unemployment rate was 3.2% in January. The number of unemployed people decreased 5,200 over the month and increased 18,200 over the year to 100,400. The labor force decreased by 2,300 workers over the month for a total labor force of 3,147,900. The number of people employed increased by 2,900 over the month for a total of 3,047,500 employed.
Place of Work Data: Total jobs increased by 25,200 over the year and increased 5,100 over the month to 3,026,900 total jobs in January. Private sector jobs increased by 17,000 over the year and increased by 4,700 over the month to 2,621,000. Construction jobs grew by 1,900 over the month to a record high 140,000 jobs.

"Wisconsin's economy and workforce continues to break records as we enter 2024," said DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek. "In the Year of the Worker, DWD remains committed to advancing innovative workforce programs and initiatives to continue this momentous success."

Today's full report can be viewed on DWD's premier source for labor market information, WisConomy.com.

View Wisconsin Labor Force Summary

ABOUT DWD

Wisconsin's Department of Workforce Development efficiently delivers effective and inclusive services to meet Wisconsin's diverse workforce needs now and for the future. The department advocates for and invests in the protection and economic advancement of all Wisconsin workers, employers, and job seekers through six divisions – Employment and Training, Vocational Rehabilitation, Unemployment Insurance, Equal Rights, Worker's Compensation, and Administrative Services. To keep up with DWD announcements and information, sign up for news releases and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.