The nationwide jobs market for August was strong with significantly more new jobs than anticipated.
In West Virginia, the total number of employed state residents increased by 400 – rising to 741,000 – while the number of unemployed state residents decreased by 700 to 31,300.
West Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4% in August, while the national rate was unchanged at 4.1%. Unemployment is calculated based on the number of people in the workforce and those seeking work. Those who have dropped out of the workforce are not counted.
Total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 1,200 from July to August. The goods-producing sector decreased by 800 with construction down 400, manufacturing off 300, and mining and logging down by 100.
The service-providing sector saw its largest loss in professional and business services, down by 800. Trade, transportation, and utilities (-500) and other services (-300) both saw declines as well.
Five sectors saw gains over the month with private education and health services leading the way (+500). Total government gained 300, financial activities climbed by 200, information rose by 100, and leisure and hospitality also rose by 100 in August.
Year-To-Date
Over the year, total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 1,800 jobs with the largest loss occurring in other services (-1,000). The second largest loss came in mining and logging, down 900, while construction, along with leisure and hospitality, decreased by 700.
Manufacturing; total government; and trade, transportation, and utilities each decreased by 300.
Professional and business services shed 200 jobs while financial activities slid by 100. The information industry remained unchanged.
West Virginia’s seasonally adjusted labor force participation rate was unchanged at 53.8%.
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