Arkansas’ employment landscape showed signs of incremental growth in April as nonfarm payroll jobs increased by 5,800, reaching a total of 1,347,400 jobs. Despite this rise, the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 4.3%, matching the national unemployment rate over the same period. Employment remained at a record-high level for the fourth month in a row.
The civilian labor force in Arkansas experienced a slight contraction as the total workforce declined by 853 individuals. This change was driven by 1,212 fewer Arkansans classified as unemployed and actively seeking work, while employed workers rose by 359. Labor force participation edged down marginally from 59.2% in March to 59.1% in April.
Year-over-year data reveal a more complex picture. Compared to the previous April, Arkansas employed 19,615 more workers, yet the state also saw the unemployment rate increase by four-tenths of a percentage point, with 5,870 more people actively searching for jobs. Additionally, labor force participation grew slightly from 58.5% last year to 59.1% this April.
Job gains in April were broad but uneven across sectors. Leisure and Hospitality led the monthly growth with an addition of 2,400 jobs, followed by Professional and Business Services with 1,800 new positions. Over the year, the greatest expansions came from Trade-Transportation-Utilities (+2,800), Leisure and Hospitality (+2,600), and Private Education and Health Services (+2,200).
Conversely, some sectors registered declines. The Government sector lost 1,900 jobs, and Construction saw a reduction of 1,400 roles over the month. Despite these setbacks, Arkansas’ employment figures continue on an upward trajectory, reflecting both short-term gains and steady engagement in the labor market.