July jobs up 2.0 percent from July 2023

Aug 16, 2024
No. 24-18

JUNEAU, Alaska — July’s statewide job count was up by 6,900, or 2.0 percent, from July 2023. 

Factors influencing growth included federally funded infrastructure projects and North Slope oil and gas projects, which helped boost construction (2,900 jobs), professional and business services (900), and transportation, warehousing and utilities (1,100). Oil and gas employment was also up by 500.  

Strong visitor numbers drove leisure and hospitality growth (100) and retail (flat employment), and contributed to transportation gains. Health care continued to show strong growth, adding 1,700 jobs, a 4.2 percent increase from last July.  

Most industries added jobs but manufacturing lost 1,700 through seafood processing disruptions while information (-200) and financial activities (-100) continued their long-term trend of small losses. 

Federal government was up 700 jobs, state government added 200, and local government added 100 over the year. 

Alaska’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.5 percent in July and the U.S. rate was 4.3 percent. Both have risen slightly over the last year but remain well below historical averages.