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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
Dec. 21, 2023
CONTACT: DWD Communications
CommunicationsOffice@dwd.wisconsin.gov

BLS Data: State Reaches All-Time High in Monthly Total Nonfarm Jobs

MADISON – The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) today released the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) job totals for the month of November, which showed Wisconsin's total nonfarm jobs hit a record high of 3,020,300 during the month. This is 32,300 more jobs than a year ago and an increase of 1,700 over the previous month.

Preliminary employment estimates for November 2023 showed Wisconsin's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.3%. The labor force increased by 4,000 workers over the month, and employment also increased by 1,800 over the month. The state's total labor force participation rate increased to 65.9%, which is 3.1% higher than the national labor force participation rate of 62.8% in November.

Place of Residence Data: Wisconsin's unemployment rate was 3.3% in November, up from 3.2% in October and 0.4% lower than the national unemployment rate, which was 3.7% in November. The labor force gained 4,000 workers over the month for a total of 3,146,300 workers. The number of people employed also increased, adding 1,800 over the month for a total of 3,042,100 employed. The number of unemployed people increased 2,200 over the month and increased by 11,800 over the year to 104,200.
Place of Work Data: Total jobs increased by 1,700 over the month and 32,300 over the year to a record-high 3,020,300 total jobs in November. Private sector jobs increased by 3,700 over the month and 28,700 over the year. Healthcare and Social Assistance added 11,600 more jobs over the year. Construction jobs increased by 1,200 over the month and by 3,300 over the year.

"Wisconsin's economy created more jobs in November, with growth in sectors such as health care and construction helping the state reach another all-time high," DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek said. "Overall, Wisconsin's labor market economy remains strong as we head toward the end of 2023. The Department of Workforce Development and its regional partners will continue to help job seekers connect to these new opportunities."

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.