Indianapolis, IN — Indiana’s unemployment rose again in August.
According to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD), the state’s jobless rate rose last month to 2.8%, which was up from 2.6% in July.
By comparison, the national unemployment rate in August stood at 3.7%, compared to 3.5% in July.
In addition, Indiana’s labor force participation rate rose again, from 63.3% in July to 63.4% in August, remaining above the national rate of 62.4%. This is Indiana’s highest participation rate since February 2020. Indiana’s total labor force, which includes both Hoosiers employed and those looking for work, stands at 3,401,693 — an increase of 7,761 from the previous month. This is the second-largest labor force in Indiana history and is only exceeded by the November 2019 labor force which was 3,401,751.
“The best news in this report is that both the number of Hoosiers employed and the Indiana labor force as a whole continue to grow. This means more Hoosiers are taking advantage of employment opportunities that exist,” said DWD Interim Commissioner Josh Richardson. “While the state’s unemployment rate increased slightly, the number of job openings continues to exceed the number of Hoosiers looking for work, and it remains a good time for Hoosiers to find a job, or pursue training to resume or advance their careers.”
Private sector employment in Indiana increased by 600 jobs over the last month, translating to a gain of 81,900 jobs from this time last year. Indiana once again is experiencing a peak in private employment, which now stands at 2,766,600.
Industries that experienced job increases in August included:
- Trade, Transportation and Utilities (+4,400);
- Leisure and Hospitality (+2,500);
- Manufacturing (+600); and
- Private Educational and Health Services (+600).
As of September 6, there were 145,304 open job postings throughout the state. In August, 16,409 people in Indiana received unemployment benefits.
Persons looking for work, training, or career advice are encouraged to visit NextLevelJobs.org.
