Alabama labor force participation rate increased to 57.9% in April

The labor force participation rate in Alabama increased to 57.9% in April, according to a report from the Alabama Department of Labor. 

During this time the percentage of prime-age workers (25-54 years) remained at 78.8%.

“It’s great to see this yearly growth in our labor force participation rate. Half of a percentage point is something to celebrate, as this number doesn’t generally reflect large growth in the short term,” said Alabama Department of Workforce Secretary Greg Reed. 

“An increase is always positive news, and we are going to continue working hard to realize even larger increases. We’re here to ensure that any Alabamian who wants a job, can find a job.”

The preliminary, seasonally adjusted April unemployment rate was reported at 3.3%, which is unchanged from March, though it is higher than April 2024’s rate of 2.9%. It represents 78,740 unemployed persons, compared to 78,761 in March and 67,319 in April of 2024.

The number of people counted as employed reportedly increased by 32,204 over the year to 2,301,503 while the civilian labor force increased to 2,380,243, with 43,625 more people joining over the year.

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Wage and salary employment increased over the year by 28,100 to 2,216,200, with gains seen in the private education and health services sector at more than 9,000), the government sector at more than 5,200, and the manufacturing sector at more than 4,300, among others.

A yearly increase in the manufacturing sector was recorded as $136.97 to $1,343.73 while the leisure and hospitality sector pandemic saw a yearly increase of $24.27 to $431.73. Both are said to be record highs.

Counties with the highest unemployment rates are Greene County at 6.3%, Perry County at 6.0%, and Wilcox County at 5.4%.

Selma remains among the highest at 5.1% though this is down from 5.6%.

“While we are continuing to add jobs at record levels, we’re seeing increased wages in major industry areas as well,” said Reed. “Additionally, since last month, all 67 counties experienced a drop in their unemployment rates.”