Jobs across the state of Alaska took a slight jump up in June, increasing by 1.5% with a rise of 5,200 in the statewide job count, although unemployment on the Kenai Peninsula did increase slightly over the last year.
While statewide employment went up since June 2023, unemployment on the Kenai Peninsula took a slight downturn year over year, dipping by .7%.
Across Alaska, the highest unemployment rate in June was in the Southwest region, with a cumulative rate of 9.1%. Southeast Alaska boasted the lowest unemployment rate at 4.0%.
As far as job creation is concerned, Construction added 2,300 jobs, with federally funded infrastructure projects contributing to the strong growth. Healthcare employment increased by 1,600, with nearly all of the gains in hospitals and outpatient care facilities. Professional and business services were up 900 jobs.
Most industries grew, but manufacturing lost 1,100 jobs, primarily due to seafood processing disruptions. The information (-200) and financial activities (-100) sectors continued their long-term losses.
The federal government added 700 jobs over the year, and the local government added 100. However, state government employment fell by 300 from June 2023.
Alaska’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.5 percent in June, and the U.S. rate was 4.1 percent.
