Nevada January 2026 Jobs Report: Unemployment 5.3%, Nonfarm Jobs 1.602M

Joe Lombardo David Schmidt Governor Chief Economist Christopher Sewell Media Contact: Valentina Bonaparte Director PR E S S R E L E A S E detrmedia@detr.nv.gov

STATE & METRO AREA PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release April 2, 2026 DETR Releases January Jobs Report CARSON CITY, NV - According to the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation's (DETR) January 2026 economic report, compared to December 2025, Nevada's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased by 0.1 percentage points (pp) and now sits at 5.3 percent and the labor force increased by 7,130. The seasonally adjusted total number of nonfarm jobs in Nevada was 1,602,000, representing an increase of 1.9% over the past year and an increase of 2,000 jobs since December 2025. Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) Employment (Seasonally Adjusted):

• Las Vegas employment increased by 1,500 jobs (0.1%) since December, and an increase of 21,600 jobs (1.9%) since
  January 2025.

• Reno employment had a decrease of 200 jobs (-0.1%) since December, and an increase of 3,600 jobs (1.3%) since
  January 2025.

• Carson City employment had a decrease of 100 jobs (-0.3%) since December, and an increase of 400 jobs (1.2%)
  since January 2025. Special note: This report includes annual adjustments to jobs, employment, and unemployment statistics for 2025. These revisions incorporate the most recent available information. Compared to the prior release, this estimate shows 28,600 more jobs in the state as of December 2025 and a growth rate of nearly 2 percent. This upward revision in Nevada contrasts with the national trend, which saw a downward revision of 862,000 jobs. More information on this process is available from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics here: https://www.bls.gov/opub/hom/topic/benchmarking.htm "This report reflects a more accurate and improved view of Nevada's labor market compared to the end of 2025. Most striking is the upward revision in the estimate of total nonfarm jobs in the state. Before the benchmark revision, no state experienced 2% job growth as of December 2025, and only 11 states experienced 1% job growth. While the unemployment rate increased slightly to 5.3%, the state's labor force participation rate also rose to 63.6%, 1.5 percentage points higher than the national participation rate" said David Schmidt, Chief Economist. To see additional labor market data view the department's employment and unemployment dashboards located at www.nevadaworkforce.com.

--###-- ABOUT THE RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS BUREAU: The Research and Analysis Bureau is Nevada's premier source for labor market information. A part of DETR, the Bureau is responsible for creating, analyzing, and reporting Nevada's labor market information, in cooperation with the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Visit us http://www.nevadaworkforce.com.

David Schmidt Joe Lombardo Chief Economist Governor Christopher Sewell Media Contact: Director Valentina Bonaparte detrmedia@detr.nv.gov Nevada Statewide & Metro Area Labor Market Overview

January 2026

Published on April 2nd, 2026 In January 2026, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Nevada increased by 0.1 percentage points (pp) compared to December 2025 and currently stands at 5.3 percent. Over the same period, the labor force increased by 7,130 individuals, currently totaling 1,694,147 individuals. Breaking up the labor force change, there was an increase of 6,128 employed individuals and an increase of 1,002 unemployed individuals. Based on January 2026, Current Employment Statistics (CES) seasonally adjusted numbers, there was an increase of 2,000 in the number of jobs in the state of Nevada, compared to December 2025. The two largest decreases in jobs were seen in Education and Health Services, which dropped by 900, and Financial Activities which lost 800 jobs. On the flip side, Construction gained 3,500 jobs, followed by Trade, Transportation, and Utilities which added 1,300 jobs. The Las Vegas MSA saw an increase equivalent to 1,500 jobs (0.1%) in January 2026, compared to December

1. Meanwhile, the Reno-Sparks MSA experienced a decrease of 200 jobs (-0.1%) during the same period. Finally, the Carson City MSA had a decrease of 100 jobs (-0.3%) in January 2026, compared to December 2025. This report includes annual adjustments to jobs, employment, and unemployment statistics for 2025 in both the Current Employment Statistics (CES) and Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS). These revisions incorporate the most recent available information, revising survey-based estimates to better reflect more accurate and detailed employment counts generated based on employer reports for the state unemployment insurance program. Comparing CES estimates to the prior release, these estimates show 28,600 more jobs in the state as of December 2025 and a growth rate of nearly 2 percent. This upward revision in Nevada contrasts with the national trend, which saw a downward revision of 862,000 jobs. Revisions to the LAUS estimates were generally smaller, with the most noticeable impact being revisions that stabilized Nevada's unemployment rate closer to 5.2% throughout the 2024 to 2025 period. More information on the benchmarking process is available from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) at the following link: https://www.bls.gov/opub/hom/topic/benchmarking.htm Information on how to file an unemployment insurance claim, where to get updates from DETR, or what other services are available from the department can be found at the end of this write-up. Additional labor market information can be found on our website (http://nevadaworkforce.com/).

Current Employment Statistics (CES) Estimates for this section come from the Current Employment Statistics (CES) program sponsored by the Bureau of Labor statistics (BLS). Seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment increased by 2,000 from December to January, or 0.1 percent. Compared to January 2025, total nonfarm employment increased by 30,200 jobs, or 1.9 percent. For more state employment information, please visit our Nevada Area Profile. Las Vegas MSA total nonfarm employment increased by 1,500 jobs (0.1%) from December 2025 to January 2026. Compared to January 2025, total nonfarm employment increased by 21,600 jobs (1.9%). To see more employment information, please visit our Las Vegas MSA Area Profile. Reno-Sparks MSA total nonfarm employment decreased by 200 jobs (-0.1%) from December 2025 to January

1. Compared to January 2025, total nonfarm employment increased by 3,600 jobs (1.3%). To see more

employment information, please visit our Reno-Sparks MSA Area Profile. Carson City MSA total nonfarm employment decreased by 100 jobs (-0.3%) from December 2025 to January

1. Compared to January 2025, total nonfarm employment increased by 400 jobs (1.2%). To see more employment information, please visit our Carson City MSA Area Profile. For more information visit our CES Page, see the summary tables at the end of the document, or check out our dashboards for a CES summary or industry estimates or all the Area Profiles. See more summary information on Nevada's Labor Market and the U.S. Labor Market.

Jan - Dec Jan - Dec Previous Annual Y/Y Jan - Dec Jan - Dec Previous Annual Y/Y Area Area Dec 2025 Dec 2025 Jan 2026 Jan 2026 January 2026 Seasonally Adjusted Employment (in Thousands) January 2026 Not Seasonally Adjusted Employment (in Thousands) GrowthChange Change Growth Year Change Growth Change Growth Year †U.S. Nevada Las Vegas MSA Reno-Sparks MSA Carson City MSA U.S. Nevada Las Vegas MSA Reno-Sparks MSA Carson City MSA 158,558.0 158,432.0 158,268.0 156,723.0 159,358.0 156,382.0 -2,635.0 1,602.0 1,600.0 1,571.8 1,170.7 1,169.2 1,149.1 1,582.0 1,610.7 1,551.2 1,156.5 1,176.5 1,137.2 126.0 290.0 285.0 285.2 -0.1% 281.4 -0.3% -1.7% 341.0 -1.8% -1.7% 279.9 288.1 -2.8% 274.9 -1.8% 0.1% 0.2% 0.1% 1.9% 0.1% 1.9% 1.3% 1.2% 0.2% -28.7 2.0% -20.0 1.7% 1.8% 0.9% 30.2 21.6 32.9 33.0 32.5 30.8 19.3 32.4 33.0 32.1 -0.2 -0.1 -8.2 -0.6 2.0 1.5 3.6 0.4 5.0 0.3

Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS)

Figures for our unemployment estimates come from the Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) program sponsored by the (BLS). In January 2026, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Nevada increased by 0.1 percentage points (pp) compared to December and decreased by 0.1 pp from 5.4 percent in January 2025. The number of unemployed individuals increased by 1,002 from December, for a current level of 89,283 people, and increased by 28 unemployed individuals year-over-year. The labor force in Nevada increased by 7,130 individuals compared to December, and currently sits at 1,694,147, which represents an increase of 38,754 individuals compared to January 2025. Visit our LAUS page for more information on the labor force in Nevada, or check out our dashboard for a look at each area.

1-Yr 1-Yr 3-Yr 3-Yr All-All-Jan - Dec 1-Yr 1-Yr 3-Yr 3-Yr Jan Time Time Unemployment High Low High Low Employment Labor Force Area Area Change Labor Force High Low High Low Unemployed Employed U.S. & Nevada Local Area Unemployment Statistics January 2026 Nevada & Area Seasonally Adjusted Employment Summary in (1000s) Change Change Change Change Participation Rate High Population Ratio Min Rate SA = Seasonally Adjusted. Nevada Las Vegas MSA Reno - Sparks MSA Carson City MSA U.S. U.S. Nevada Nevada 1,602.0 1,602.0 1,570.7 1,602.0 1,521.2 1,602.0 1,170.7 1,172.7 1,147.8 1,172.7 1,110.8 1,172.7 SASA609.8 364.3 285.0 286.1 281.2 286.1 274.6 286.1 148.2 169,612,000 161,670,000 170,465,000 163,097,000 17.6 17.6 14.4 14.4 32.9 33.0 32.5 33.0 31.2 33.3 21.1 -3.8 -7.7 -7.1 -7.1 -1.2 -2.9 -0.1 -0.2 4.7 4.7 0.2 0.4 1,699,429 1,605,080 1,694,147 1,604,864 -0.2 -0.1 2.0 1.5 7,942,000 7,368,000 94,349 89,283 4.7 4.3 5.6 5.3 61.7 58.9 62.1 59.4 63.8 60.2 63.6 60.2

Unemployment Rate State Rankings (December 2025 Data) According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nevada tied with Delaware and Oregon for the 3rd highest unemployment rate of any state in December 2025 at a figure of 5.2%. Ahead of Nevada were California with 5.5% and New Jersey with 5.4%. Behind Nevada were Michigan with 5% and South Carolina with 4.8%.

Employment State Rankings (December 2025 Data) According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nevada had the 48th highest over-the-year employment growth in December 2025 at a figure of -0.57%.

Unemployment Insurance Turning to our monthly data, in January 2026, 12,926 initial claims for unemployment insurance were filed in Nevada, a decrease of 926 claims, or 6.7 percent, from December 2025 when there were 13,852 claims. This figure is an increase from the 12,802 figure that was observed in January of 2025.

Monthly claims activity for Nevada's regular program saw decreases for most measures in January 2026. Compared to December, Weeks Compensated decreased by 19,835, and Final Payments (also known as exhaustions) decreased by 40. Total compensation was down by $9,856,810 or 16.2%.

December 12-month January January Amount Compensated Total January 2026 Unemployment Insurance Activity Measure % change % change $47,526,158 $43,627,220 $56,937,854 $42,974,843 -16.5% 8.9% Source: ETA 5159 average Initial Claims Weeks Compensated Total Unemployment First Payments Final Payments (Exhaustions) Exhaustion Rate 112,142 42.56% 41.67% 41.04% 41.96% 12,926 12,802 13,852 11,875 93,437 88,710 -16.7% 87,232 22.2% -6.7% 7,775 7,175 8,417 -7.6% 6,148 2,884 2,360 2,924 -1.4% 2,454 1.0% 5.3% 8.4% 2.1% 3.7% Weeks Claimed Weeks Compensated Amount Compensated Unemployment Average Weekly Benefit Average Duration (in weeks) $50,892,781 $46,573,551 $60,749,591 $46,006,889 117,100 105,552 121,859 111,499 105,496 125,331 $508.64 $491.80 $507.73 $492.11 99,223 -15.8% 98,095 -16.2% 10.9% -3.9% 14.19 15.09 -5.9% 14.24 -0.4% 14.65 6.3% 9.3% 3.4% 0.2%

CES Summary Tables Seasonally adjusted estimates are used to show underlying economic trends by accounting for regularly seen seasonal patterns, and the result is smoother estimates. They are found by taking the difference of the unadjusted estimate and the expected seasonal movement.

Nevada Nonfarm Jobs Over the Month Change Area Unadjusted Change Expected Seasonal Movement Seasonally Adjusted Change December 2025 - January 2026 U.S. Nevada -2,635,000 -28,700 -2,761,000 126,000 -30,700 2,000

Nevada Unemployment Services Available DETR serves all Nevada citizens by being the state's lead workforce development agency. DETR consists of divisions that offer workforce related services, job placement and training, services for people with disabilities, investigation of claims of discrimination, unemployment insurance benefits, and labor market data. To file an unemployment insurance claim or for additional information, please visit: http://nui.nv.gov/ To report unemployment fraud, please visit: https://detr.nv.gov/Page/Unemployment_Fraud For workforce services available to jobseekers, employers, and the public: https://www.employNV.gov For services available to people with disabilities: https://vrnevada.nv.gov/ For information about Nevada's Equal Rights Commission: https://detr.nv.gov/NERC Prepared by the Research and Analysis Bureau with contributions from: Bhraman Gulati, Dionny McDonnell, Dave Schmidt, Marianne Kattenhorn, Antonio Solorio, James Bathgate, Andrew Stencel, and Tim Wilcox. Special thanks to all the R and RStudio developers that built the packages to make this possible. Packages used in this report include tidyverse, DBI, tidyquant, data.table, scales, gt, kableExtra, ggthemes, cowplot, gridExtra, RcppRoll, viridis, fiftystater, ggforce, knitr, flexdashboard, lubridate, plotly, patchwork, reshape2. This workforce product was funded by the Workforce Information Grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. The product was created by the recipient and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The U.S. Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it. Internal use by an organization and/or personal use by an individual for non-commercial purposes is permissible. All other uses require the prior authorization of the copyright owner.