Labor force participation rate in Alabama slightly increases in October

The labor force participation has experienced a slight increase at 57.6% during the month of October after a period of stagnation, said a recent report from the Alabama Department of Labor. 

The number of prime-age workers (ages 25-54) decreased to 79.1%, though the number increased 1.3 percentage points from 78.1% over the year.

“This month we experienced a slight increase in our labor force participation rate. Any growth is always welcome news,” said Redden. “Additionally, the year over year growth of prime age workers is also encouraging. Nearly 80% of those prime age workers are out there doing their jobs and providing for their families.”

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is still 2.9%. It represents 69,271 unemployed persons, compared to 67,395 in September.

The number of people counted as employed increased by 18,840 to 2,280,863 over the year and the civilian labor force reportedly increased to a "record" 24,084.

During the year, age and salary employment increased by 40,400 to 2,220,700 with gains seen in the private education and health services sector of more than 10,500; the government sector of more than 6,300; and the leisure and hospitality sector at more than 5,800.

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During the month wage and salary employment increased by 7,600, with gains seen in the professional and business services sector at more than 3,000, the government sector at more than 2,900, and the private education and health services sector at more than 1,100.

Average weekly wages reportedly increased over the year by $24.97 to $1,056.18. The construction industry saw a record high in wages, which was recorded at $1,385.67 in October, which represents a yearly increase of $114.61 per week, ADOL's report said.

“While Alabama employers continue to add jobs at record high rates, we’re also seeing wage growth, which is beneficial to our entire economy,” said Redden. “We are currently supporting more jobs than ever before, and our hard-working citizens have seen their average weekly wages increase over the year by nearly $25 a week.”

Counties with the highest unemployment rates are Wilcox County at 7.7%%, Clarke County at 6.1%, Greene Counties at 6.1%, and Dallas and Perry Counties at 5.9%.

Selma's unemployment rate increased to 6.9%.