The unemployment rate for November increased to 3.1% from 2.9%, said a report from the Alabama Department of Labor released on Friday.
The number represents 73,278 unemployed persons, compared to 69,257 in October.
The percentage of prime-age workers (ages 25-54) reportedly decreased by two-tenths of a percentage point to 78.9% during November.
The rate of people counted as employed increased by 17,150 during 2024 to 2,278,876 while the civilian labor force increased to 2,352,154 (said to be a "new record high"), with 26,024 more people joining.
Wage and salary employment increased over the year by 37,300 to 2,232,000, (also said to be a new record high), with gains seen in the private education and health services sector at more than 8,800, the leisure and hospitality sector at more than 6,500, and the government sector at more than 6,200, among others.
“Alabama employers continue to add jobs at a record pace,” said ADOL Secretary Marty Redden. “Only a few short years ago, our goal was to break two million wage and salary jobs. Now, we’re climbing closer and closer to two and a quarter million. This represents remarkable progress.”
The average total private weekly wages increased by $42.38 in 2024 to $1,065.50.
Industries that saw increases were trade, transportation, and utilities sector at more than 420,100, the financial activities sector at more than 105,900, the professional and business services sector at more than 270,800, and the private education and health services sector at more than 277,000.
“We’re seeing great growth in both employment and wages in Alabama,” said Redden. “More people working and more money in their pockets is always welcome news, especially at the holidays.”
Counties with the highest unemployment rates were Wilcox County at 9.3%, Clarke and Greene Counties at 6.6%, and Dallas County at 6.4%.
Selma's unemployment rate increased to 7.4%.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.