Unemployment Rate Down Slightly to 4.7% in May
FUNTAP P | DREAMSTIME
A downward trend in Alaska’s unemployment rate resumed after holding steady in April. The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development puts the seasonally adjusted figure for May at 4.7 percent.
Continued Recovery
The rate in Alaska remains above the national rate of 3.6 percent, which likewise was unchanged from a month before.
The unadjusted rate in Anchorage and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough was a combined 4.1 percent, down from 4.3 in April. Unemployment in the Interior and Southeast Alaska also dropped, to 4.3 and 3.9 percent, respectively.
Total number of jobs increased 2.9 percent since May 2021, with 8,900 more Alaskans employed than a year earlier. That figure is still 15,300 below April 2019.
Current Issue
January 2026
The leisure and hospitality sector had 3,800 more jobs than last May. The transportation, warehousing, and utilities sector was up by 1,400 jobs year over year. The 7,200 jobs in the oil and gas sector held steady for a third straight month, about 600 more than year-ago levels but 2,500 less than in 2019.
Local government was up by 800 jobs year over year. State government employment also fell 600 below last year’s level. Federal employment was up by 300 compared to May 2021 and has risen above its pre-pandemic level by about 500 jobs in Alaska.
907 Sweet Treats Selling Honey via Vending Machine
The Midtown Mall in Anchorage is home to a new vending machine packed with honey, tea, and candles sold by 907 Sweet Treats.
Donlin Gold Signs Up for Alaska LNG Pipeline Gas
Glenfarne and Donlin Gold signed a letter of intent to supply natural gas to power the mine site, uniting two of Alaska’s long-sought megaprojects.
A Christmas Gift: M/V Kennicott Returns to Service
The state ferry M/V Kennicott returned to service after a generator project and overall refresh; now M/V Columbia goes into annual overhaul.
We’re honored again this year to celebrate our partnership with Junior Achievement of Alaska, a nonprofit that educates local youth about enterprise, business, money, and financial literacy. In the special section, three Junior Achievement of Alaska students weigh in on their experience with the exceptional volunteers and teachers involved with the program.
And in Industry Support, we explore the range of varied services that industry in Alaska requires, from mancamps to spill response to off-grid energy solutions.
Outside the special sections, make sure to check out the 2026 Economic forecast, where Alaska leaders share their insights on what may lie ahead in the coming year. Enjoy!