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Tony Evers, Governor
Amy Pechacek, Secretary-designee

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, May 19, 2022
CONTACT: DWD Communications
CommunicationsOffice@dwd.wisconsin.gov

BLS Data: Wisconsin's Unemployment Rate in April Ties Record Low 2.8%

MADISON – The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) today released the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) preliminary, seasonally adjusted employment estimates for the month of April 2022. The data shows that Wisconsin's preliminary unemployment rate held steady to tie the record low of 2.8 percent from March, as job growth and labor force growth continued.

Place of Residence Data: Wisconsin's labor force participation rate was 66.5 percent in April, unchanged from March, and 4.3 percentage points higher than the national rate of 62.2 percent for April. Wisconsin's unemployment rate in April was 2.8 percent, tying the record low set in March and 0.8 percentage points below the 3.6% national unemployment rate for April.
Place of Work Data: Wisconsin total nonfarm jobs increased by 2,700 from March to April 2022 while private-sector jobs increased by 3,100 over the same period.

The labor force also expanded over the month while the number of people employed reached a new high. The state's gross domestic product reached a record high of $306.7 billion in the fourth quarter of 2021.

"Wisconsin's preliminary unemployment rate of 2.8% in April 2022 has tied the record from March and demonstrates the continued strength of the statewide recovery among industries ranging from construction and manufacturing to retail trade and food service," said DWD Secretary-designee Amy Pechacek. "DWD is eager to help job seekers and employers connect through any one of the state's in-person job centers or through the JobCenterofWisconsin.com website."

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.