Arkansas Jobs at Record High; Unemployment Unchanged at 3.9% in September
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Oct. 20, 2026) — The Arkansas Department of Commerce, in conjunction with the Bureau of Labor Statistics, today announced that Arkansas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained stable at 3.9% between August and September. The United States jobless rate increased one-tenth of a percentage point from 4.1% in August to 4.2% in September.
Arkansas Civilian Labor Force Summary:
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Arkansas’ civilian labor force grew by 1,168 in September, with 1,902 more employed residents, bringing both series to record highs. Unemployment declined for the eighth consecutive month.
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Compared to September 2025, there are 20,642 more employed in the state. The number of people who are unemployed and actively seeking work has declined along with the unemployment rate. Arkansas’ labor force participation rate is up two-tenths of a percentage point over the year.
Arkansas Nonfarm Payroll Job Summary:
- Arkansas nonfarm payroll jobs increased by 12,500 in September, reaching a new record high of 1,354,400 jobs. The largest increases were related to the new school year, with continued hiring in Government (+10,500) and Private Education and Health Services (+3,600). Modest gains occurred in Manufacturing (+600) and Trade-Transportation-Utilities (+400). Leisure and Hospitality saw expected seasonal declines, down 1,900 jobs.
- Compared to September 2025, there are 11,100 more nonfarm payroll jobs in Arkansas. Seven major industry sectors posted annual growth with the largest gains occurring in Leisure and Hospitality (+4,500), Trade-Transportation-Utilities (+3,200), Private Education and Health Services (+1,600), Professional and Business Services (+1,500), and Construction (+1,200).
Arkansas Civilian Labor Force (Seasonally Adjusted)
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Population Survey. https://www.bls.gov/cps/definitions.htm
Arkansas Nonfarm Payroll Jobs (Not Seasonally Adjusted, In Thousands)
Monthly Survey of Employers, based on 1st Quarter 2025 benchmark. Current month’s data are preliminary; previous month’s data are revised.
Civilian Labor Force (Seasonally Adjusted) September 2023 – September 2026
Data for October 2025 is not available due to a lapse in federal appropriations.
Job Gains/Losses by Major Industry Sectors (Not Seasonally Adjusted) September 2025 – September 2026
For more labor market data, visit our website at www.discover.arkansas.gov.
>>> Download the September 2026 Employment Report PDF
About Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) The Bureau of Labor Statistics measures labor market activity, working conditions, price changes, and productivity In the U.S. economy to support public and private decision making.
About Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) The LAUS program produces monthly and annual employment, unemployment, and labor force data for Census regions and divisions, states, counties, metropolitan areas, and many cities, by place of residence.
About Current Employment Statistics (CES) The CES program produces detailed industry estimates of employment, hours, and earnings of workers on nonfarm payrolls. CES State and Metro Area produces data for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and about 450 metropolitan areas and divisions.
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