TOPEKA, Kan. — Kansas' unemployment rate held steady at 3.8% in May, unchanged from April but up slightly from 3.5% a year ago, according to preliminary data released by the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Reno County matched the statewide jobless rate at 3.8% in May. That’s a one-tenth of one percent increase from April 2025 and a two-tenths of one percent increase compared to May 2024, reflecting a modest softening in the local labor market.
Statewide, the labor force participation rate dipped to 67.0% in May, indicating fewer Kansans are working or actively looking for work.
Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas showed an increase of 1,800 nonfarm jobs from April to May. Most of the growth came from the private sector, which added 1,900 jobs, while government employment dipped by 100. Manufacturing led the way with 1,600 new jobs, while professional and business services saw the sharpest decline, losing 700 jobs.
Year over year, Kansas has added 12,500 nonfarm jobs. That includes 2,200 new private sector jobs and a significant increase of 10,300 government jobs.
The data is compiled monthly by KDOL’s Labor Market Information Division in cooperation with the BLS.