Preliminary estimates reported by the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show the state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate at 2.9% in February. This is unchanged from 2.9% in January and an increase from 2.4% in February 2022.
Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 1,500 from January. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs increased by 1,400 over the month, while government decreased by 2,900.
Labor Economist Nathan Kessler said, “Kansas average nominal hourly earnings in the private sector rose 3.1% over the year in February. However, while showing signs of improvement, inflationary pressures continue to weigh on wages with real hourly earnings declining 2.4% over the year.”
Since February 2022 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 41,300. This change is due to an increase of 38,000 private sector jobs and an increase of 3,300 government jobs.