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Tony Evers, Governor
Amy Pechacek, Secretary

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 17, 2023
CONTACT: DWD Communications
CommunicationsOffice@dwd.wisconsin.gov

BLS Data: State Labor Force Participation Up, Jobs Increase

Both private and nonfarm jobs are at record highs

MADISON – The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) today released the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) job totals for the month of July 2023, which showed Wisconsin's total nonfarm jobs hit a new high of 3,007,200. This is 39,500 more jobs than a year ago and an increase of 4,700 over the previous month.

Preliminary employment estimates for July 2023 showed Wisconsin's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 2.6%. The labor force grew by 11,200 and employment increased 6,800 over the month of July. The state's total labor force participation rate increased to 65.5%.

Nationwide for the month of July, the U.S. unemployment rate was 3.5%, 0.9 percentage points above Wisconsin's rate, and the national labor force participation rate of 62.6% was 2.9 percentage points below the state rate.

Place of Residence Data: Wisconsin's unemployment rate edged up to 2.6% in July after hitting a record low of 2.4% in April and May. The number of unemployed people increased 4,300 over the month and decreased 12,500 over the year to 81,000. The labor force gained 11,200 workers over the month for a total labor force of 3,124,700. The number of Wisconsinites employed increased 6,800 in July for a total of 3,043,600 employed.
Place of Work Data: Total nonfarm jobs increased 4,700 in July to a new high of 3,007,200, an annual increase of 39,500. Private sector jobs increased by 6,400 over the month and 34,700 over the year. Healthcare and social assistance jobs grew 7,500 over the month and 12,500 over the year.

"Wisconsin's labor force increased by 11,200 workers over the month, as more people entered or returned to the workforce. That's one reason why our labor force participation is higher than the nation's rate," DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek said. "Wisconsin workers are motivated and encouraged by the opportunities that are available, and the Department of Workforce Development remains committed to help all workers gain the skills and supports necessary to thrive in the modern economy."

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.