Outdated or Unsupported Browser Detected
DWD's website uses the latest technology. This makes our site faster and easier to use across all devices. Unfortunatley, your browser is out of date and is not supported. An update is not required, but it is strongly recommended to improve your browsing experience. To update Internet Explorer to Microsoft Edge visit their website.

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
Jan. 19, 2023
CONTACT: DWD Communications
CommunicationsOffice@dwd.wisconsin.gov

BLS Data: Wisconsin Adds 900 Nonfarm Jobs in December, Unemployment Rate Dips to 3.2%

MADISON – The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) today released the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) preliminary employment estimates for the month of December 2022, which showed Wisconsin added 900 nonfarm jobs over the month and 60,000 jobs over the year.

The data also showed that Wisconsin's unemployment rate dipped to 3.2% in December, down 0.1 percentage point from 3.3% in November. The labor force participation rate was 64.7%. Nationwide for the month of December, the unemployment rate was 3.5% with a labor force participation rate of 62.3%.

Place of Residence Data: Wisconsin's labor force participation rate declined to 64.7% in December from 64.9% in November but was still 2.4 percentage points higher than the national rate of 62.3%. Wisconsin's unemployment rate in December was 3.2 percent, 0.3 percentage points below the national rate of 3.5%.
Place of Work Data: Over the year, Wisconsin added 60,000 nonfarm jobs and 52,600 total private sector jobs. Over the month for December 2022, Wisconsin nonfarm jobs increased by 900 and total private sector jobs increased by 1,500. Private service providing jobs saw the biggest gains – up 3,800 over the month and 48,200 over the year.

"Wisconsin's unemployment rate remains below the national rate and our labor force participation rate remains above the national rate while our economy continues to create jobs," said DWD Secretary-designee Amy Pechacek. "Through JobCenterofWisconsin.com, DWD offices throughout the state, and the efforts of our programs and partners, our workforce continues to gain in-demand skills while employers gain a competitive advantage in recruiting and retaining diverse talent."

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.