(Indianapolis, IN) – The state’s unemployment rate dropped one-tenth of a percentage point to 3.4 percent in January, according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.
By comparison, the national average reported for January was 4.3 percent.
In addition, Indiana’s labor force participation rate is 63.5 percent compared to the national rate of 62.5 percent.
This rate is the percentage of Hoosiers 16 and older WHO are either working or actively looking for work.
Those not in the labor force include, primarily, students, retirees and other non-working populations, such as those unable to work due to a disability or illness, or adults responsible for their family’s childcare needs.
Indiana’s total labor force stands at 3,503,632.
January 2026 total private employment is 2,831,400, an increase of 10,200 since December.
Industries that experienced job increases this month included:
- Professional & Business Services (+6,800)
- Construction (+2,700)
- Private Educational & Health Services (+2,100)
- Trade, Transportation & Utilities (+1,700)
As of January 31, there were 85,672 open job postings throughout the state.
As of the week ending on February 7, Indiana had 27,470 continued unemployment insurance claims filed.
People looking for work, training or career information are encouraged to visit in.gov/dwd/job-seekers.
