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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
June 16, 2022
CONTACT: DWD Communications
CommunicationsOffice@dwd.wisconsin.gov

BLS Data: Wisconsin Sets Record for Total Number of People Employed

MADISON – The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) today released the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) preliminary employment estimates for the month of May 2022, which show the number of Wisconsinites employed at a historic high of 3,059,300. The data also show an increase in Wisconsin's total labor force for the sixth consecutive month.

Place of Residence Data: Wisconsin's labor force participation rate was 66.5 percent in May, unchanged from April, and 4.2 percentage points higher than the national rate of 62.3 percent. Wisconsin's unemployment rate in May was 2.9 percent, up slightly from April's historic low due to an increase in active participants in the labor force.
Place of Work Data: Wisconsin total nonfarm jobs increased from April 2022 to May 2022 by 2,200 while private-sector jobs increased by 1,800 over the same period.

"Wisconsin's unemployment and labor force participation rates continue to outpace the nation, and Wisconsin is experiencing a record number of people employed," DWD Secretary-designee Amy Pechacek said. "DWD is proud to support Wisconsin workers in finding a well-paying career in this competitive labor market, and stands ready to connect individuals and employers so that our economy can continue to thrive."

The strong economic recovery and robust job growth also has pushed weekly unemployment insurance claims to historic seasonal lows. For the week ending June 4, 2022, the number of weekly initial unemployment insurance claims totaled 3,288, down from 7,466 in the same week of 2021. Continued unemployment insurance claims for the same week set a new low of 15,224, versus 55,697 a year ago.

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.