TOPEKA — Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services (LMIS) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.8% in April. This is an increase from 2.7% in March and an increase from 2.7% in April 2023.

“The Kansas unemployment rate for April was 2.8%,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. “The state has maintained an unemployment rate below 3.0% since October 2021.”

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 2,000 from March. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs increased by 1,700 over the month, while government increased by 300.

“Kansas continued to add jobs in April, with total nonfarm job estimates increasing by 2,000 jobs over the month,” said labor economist, Emilie Doerksen. “The state has experienced significant job growth over the past three months, with average monthly gains of 4,900 jobs.”

Since April 2023 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 23,000. This change is due to an increase of 17,500 private sector jobs and an increase of 5,500 government jobs.

The May 2024 Labor Report will be released Friday, June 21.