BLS Data: Wisconsin’s Unemployment Rate in April Ties Record Low 2.8%

MADISON – The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) today released the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) preliminary, seasonally adjusted employment estimates for the month of April 2022. The data shows that Wisconsin’s preliminary unemployment rate held steady to tie the record low of 2.8 percent from March, as job growth and labor force growth continued.

• Place of Residence Data: Wisconsin’s labor force participation rate was 66.5 percent in April, unchanged from March, and 4.3 percentage points higher than the national rate of 62.2 percent for April. Wisconsin’s unemployment rate in April was 2.8 percent, tying the record low set in March and 0.8 percentage points below the 3.6% national unemployment rate for April.
• Place of Work Data: Wisconsin total nonfarm jobs increased by 2,700 from March to April 2022 while private-sector jobs increased by 3,100 over the same period.

The labor force also expanded over the month while the number of people employed reached a new high. The state’s gross domestic product reached a record high of $306.7 billion in the fourth quarter of 2021.

“Wisconsin’s preliminary unemployment rate of 2.8% in April 2022 has tied the record from March and demonstrates the continued strength of the statewide recovery among industries ranging from construction and manufacturing to retail trade and food service,” said DWD Secretary-designee Amy Pechacek. “DWD is eager to help job seekers and employers connect through any one of the state’s in-person job centers or through the JobCenterofWisconsin.com website.”

Today’s full report can be viewed on DWD’s premier source for labor market information, WisConomy.com.

View Wisconsin Labor Force Summary

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.