BLS Data: Wisconsin Employment Breaks Fourth Consecutive Monthly Record; Jobs Also Reach New Record High

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MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) today announced new record highs for jobs and employment during August 2024, according to preliminary estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is the fourth consecutive monthly record for state employment, highlighting the unprecedented number of workers participating in Wisconsin's economy. During the same time, the number of nonfarm jobs reached a new all-time high.

Preliminary employment estimates for August 2024 showed Wisconsin's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 2.9%, which is 1.3 percentage points below the national unemployment rate of 4.2%. The state's labor force participation rate held steady at 65.5% in August while the national rate stayed at 62.7%.

Place of Residence Data: Wisconsin's unemployment rate was 2.9% in August, 1.3 percentage points below the national rate of 4.2%. Wisconsin's labor force decreased by 100 over the month and decreased 2,100 over the year. The number of people employed increased 2,100 over the month to a record-high 3,051,900 employed.

Place of Work Data: Total nonfarm jobs increased 11,600 over the month and increased 35,300 over the year to 3,047,300 jobs, the highest number on record.

Additional information about the data included in the release is available at Wisconomy.com.

View Wisconsin Labor Force Summary

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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.