Department of Numbers

Alaska Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Alaska rose 0.1 percentage points in January 2023 to 3.8%. The state unemployment rate was 0.4 percentage points higher than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in Alaska peaked in May 2020 at 11.9% and is now 8.1 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 3.6% in August 2022, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.2 percentage points. You can also see Alaska unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate January 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
National 3.4% -0.1 -0.6
Alaska 3.8% +0.1 -1.3

Note: All comparisons are made with January data as February state level unemployment data has not yet been released.

Unemployment Rate: Alaska, National

Alaska monthly unemployment rate chart from 1990 to January 2023

Note: Recessions shown in gray

Alaska Unemployed

The number of people unemployed in Alaska peaked in May 2020 at 41,323. There are now 27,926 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 12,932 in August 2022, the number of unemployed has now grown by 465. Alaska job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons January 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
Alaska 13,397 +148 -4,893

Number of Unemployed Persons

Monthly chart of total unemployed in Alaska from 1990 to January 2023

Alaska Unemployment History

Date National
Unemployment Rate
Alaska
Unemployment Rate
Alaska
Unemployed
February 2023 3.6%
January 2023 3.4% 3.8% 13,397
December 2022 3.5% 3.7% 13,249
November 2022 3.6% 3.7% 13,344
October 2022 3.7% 3.8% 13,451
September 2022 3.5% 3.7% 13,327
August 2022 3.7% 3.6% 12,932
July 2022 3.5% 3.8% 13,425
June 2022 3.6% 3.9% 13,769
May 2022 3.6% 3.9% 14,039
April 2022 3.6% 4.1% 14,547
March 2022 3.6% 4.3% 15,367