BLS Data: Wisconsin's Unemployment Rate Remains 3.9 percent in September; Labor Force Participation Rate Increases

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MADISON – The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) today released the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) preliminary employment estimates for the month of September 2021. The data shows that Wisconsin's total non-farm jobs remained the same compared to August 2021 while Wisconsin's private-sector jobs decreased by 100 in the month of September. Wisconsin's unemployment rate in September was 3.9 percent, equaling August's rate of 3.9 percent.

Place of Residence Data: Wisconsin's labor force participation rate in September was 66.6, 5.0 percentage points higher than the national rate of 61.6 percent and up from 66.5 percent in August. Wisconsin's unemployment rate in September was 3.9 percent, while the national unemployment rate was 4.8 percent in the same month.

Place of Work Data: Wisconsin lost 100 private-sector jobs in the month of September while total non-farm jobs remained flat over the month.

"Although jobs remained relatively flat over the month, Wisconsin did see an increase in our labor force participation rate and employment grew by 5,600 over the month," DWD Secretary-designee Amy Pechacek said. "Our total labor force also increased by 4,400 over the month, and the number of people counted as unemployed declined by 1,200. Wisconsinites are eager to get back to work, and the best thing for everyone to do to ensure our economy remains open and growing is getting vaccinated and abiding by local health department mandates."

View Wisconsin Labor Force Summary

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

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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 here and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.