ADOL report: Labor force participation remained at 57.5% in June

A report from the Alabama Department of Labor says that the labor force participation rate remained at 57.5% in June, but increased four-tenths of a percentage point from June 2023.

The percentage of prime age (25-54 years old) workers increased by 1.4 percentage points to 79.2% over the year. 

“The number of prime age workers increased by more than one percentage point since last year,” said ADOL Secretary Washington. “Combined with the growth in the civilian labor force, the growth in employment, and the growth in jobs, these numbers are all excellent indicators of Alabama’s economic picture.”

The preliminary, seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 2.9%, down from a revised 3.0% in June and represents 67,784 unemployed persons. 

The number of people counted as employed increased by 20,417 over the year to 2,270,227. The civilian labor force increased to 2,338,011, with 34,789 more people joining during the year.

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Wage and salary employment increased over the year by 47,500 to 2,218,400. Gains were seen in the government sector with more than 11,900, the private education and health services sector at more than 11,500, and the manufacturing sector at more than 7,700.

Counties with the highest unemployment rates were Wilcox County at 8.5%, Perry County at 6.8%, and Dallas County at 6.0%.

Selma remains among the highest in unemployment at 7.1%. 

“We are continuing to see Alabama’s employers adding jobs at a record pace,” said Washington. “Our economy is supporting more jobs than ever before. Additionally, our average weekly wages have increased to their second highest level ever.”