Alabama’s unemployment rate increased slightly in April, but state officials say continued job growth and rising wages in key industries point to ongoing economic strength across the state.
According to the Alabama Department of Workforce, Alabama’s preliminary seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 2.8% in April, up from 2.7% in March but below the 2.9% rate recorded in April 2025.
The April rate represents 67,115 unemployed people statewide, compared to 65,467 in March. Meanwhile, the number of employed Alabamians increased by 3,579 over the year to 2,311,287.
The state’s civilian labor force also grew to 2,378,402, with 1,103 additional people entering the workforce compared to a year ago.
State officials also announced Alabama reached a new record high for wage and salary employment, which increased by 13,200 jobs over the year to 2,211,300.
Greg Reed said growth in construction and manufacturing remains a strong indicator for Alabama’s economy.
“Construction and manufacturing are among the most vital sectors of our economy,” Reed said in a statement. “When we continue to see growth and even more importantly, wage growth, in these sectors, that signifies sustained economic growth.”
Construction employment climbed to 111,800 jobs statewide, marking the sector’s highest employment level since January 2008. Manufacturing wages also reached a new milestone, with average weekly pay increasing to a record $1,407.08.
The government sector led annual job growth with 4,700 additional jobs, followed by private education and health services with 4,100 new jobs and leisure and hospitality with 3,400.
North Alabama counties once again posted some of the lowest unemployment rates in the state.
Morgan County, Marshall County and Limestone County each recorded unemployment rates of 2.1%, while Madison County, Lawrence County, Franklin County and DeKalb County all posted rates of 2.2%.
Statewide, Shelby County and Elmore County recorded the lowest unemployment rates at 2.0%.
The state’s highest unemployment rates were found in Greene County at 5.5%, followed by Monroe County and Perry County at 5.3%.
