February’s job count was 2.4% higher than February 2021, an increase of 7,100 jobs but still 13,500 below the same month in 2020, just before the pandemic began, according to the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
The leisure and hospitality sector had 2,600 more jobs than last February but 3,300 fewer than February 2020. The trade, transportation and utilities sector was up by 1,800 jobs over the year and up 200 from 2020. Oil and gas had 7,200 total jobs — 700 above year-ago levels but 3,000 below the previous year.
Local government was up by 900 jobs over the year but down 1,400 from February 2020, mainly in public education. State government employment fell 500 below last year’s level and was 500 short of 2020. Most public schools and university campuses have operated in person so far this school year after a remote 2020-2021. However, total state government employment fell over the year with the phase-out of temporary pandemic-related positions. Federal employment was down 100 from February 2021 and 200 below 2020.
The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 5.4% in February. The comparable U.S. rate declined to 3.8%. The unemployment rate for the Kenai Peninsula Borough in February was 7.1%, a slight decrease from January’s 7.4%. and down from 9.5% in February of 2021.
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