Alaska Employment: 313,800 Jobs Puts November Unemployment at 4.4 Percent
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The seasonal number of jobs in Alaska shrank in November, raising the unemployment rate. The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development puts the seasonally adjusted figure at 4.4 percent, up from 4.3 in October.
Monthly Jobs Down, Yearly Jobs Up
The statewide rate has been hovering near 4 percent since the start of 2022. The comparable national rate dropped slightly to 3.7 percent in November.
The unadjusted unemployment rate in the Anchorage area rose in November to 3.8 percent after dropping to 3.6 in October. Anchorage and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough had the lowest unemployment of any region. Every area saw higher rates than the previous month except for the Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area (at 6.1 percent, down from 6.3 in October), the Bristol Bay Borough (at 4.7 percent, down from 4.8 in October), and the Bethel Census Area, unchanged month to month at 9.5 percent.
Every area saw higher rates in November compared to a year earlier except four: Bristol Bay Borough, Hoonah-Angoon Census Area, Petersburg Borough, and Yakutat.
The total number of jobs in November was higher than a year earlier. The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development counts 313,800 compared to 308,800. That annual growth of 5,000 jobs is a 1.6 percent increase, even though the job count is down from October’s 322,000.
Most employment sectors grew, but construction, manufacturing, and information were flat year-over-year while financial activities was down by 200 jobs.
Healthcare added 200 jobs since October, adding up to 1,300 more jobs since a year ago. The leisure and hospitality sector counted 800 more jobs since November 2022, mainly in restaurants and bars. The mining sector also added 800 jobs.
Growth in public sector jobs was led by local government (including school districts), up by 500 since November 2022. Growth in federal employment offset the state government’s annual job losses of 400.
Making History
The track of oil and gas development in Alaska shows the footprints of bold companies and hard-working individuals who shaped the industry in the past and continue to innovate today. The May 2024 issue of Alaska Business explores that history while looking forward to new product development, the energy transition for the fishing fleet, and the ethics of AI tools in business.