May unemployment rate ticks up to 3.0%

The unemployment rate for Alabama increased to 3.0%, up from 2.8% in April, said a recent report from the Alabama Department of Labor (ADOL). 

The May rate represents 72,082 unemployed persons, compared to 67,102 in April. 

Prime-age workers (ages 25-54) participating in the labor force is 79.6%. The number of those counted as employed decreased by 4,426 over the year to 2,302,424, with the civilian labor force measuring 2,374,506 in May.

The wage and salary employment increased by 15,200 to 2,219,000 over the year, with gains being seen in the construction sector at over 5,800, the leisure and hospitality sector at over 4,700, and the government sector at over 4,300.

The average weekly wages increased by $72.01 over the year to $1,169.64. These industries recorded higher wages in May:

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Construction: increased by $63.56 over the year to $1,425.09.

Professional and Business Services: increased by $123.24 over the year to $1,506.59

Leisure and Hospitality: increased by $45.59 over the year to $477.04.

Counties with the highest unemployment rates were Greene and Monroe Counties at 6.2%, Perry County at 6.0%, and Wilcox County at 5.7%. Selma's rate was 5.3%.

“I think the real story is that wages continue to rise,” said ADOL Secretary Greg Reed. “Not only have we reached a record-high statewide wage in 2026, but several industries are experiencing strong growth. That means more money in the pockets of Alabama workers and more families with the ability to comfortably support themselves and plan for the future.”