BLS Data: Wisconsin February Employment Numbers Released; Unemployment Ticks Up to 3.4%
Summary
The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development released February 2026 preliminary employment estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wisconsin had 3,019,300 people employed, an unemployment rate of 3.4% (up 1.0 percentage point from the national rate of 4.4%), and a labor force participation rate of 64.4%. Total nonfarm jobs were 3,019,900, a decrease of 10,500 over the prior month.
What changed
Wisconsin DWD published February 2026 preliminary labor market estimates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state unemployment rate increased to 3.4%, up 0.4 percentage points from January, while employment rose by 1,500 over the month to 3,019,300. Labor force participation improved to 64.4%, exceeding the national rate of 62.0% by 2.4 percentage points.
These statistical indicators have no direct compliance implications for employers or businesses. The data reflects economic conditions and may be relevant for workforce planning, economic development analysis, or policy research rather than regulatory obligation.
Archived snapshot
Apr 16, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
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Tony Evers, Governor
Amy Pechacek, Secretary
Department of Workforce Development
Secretary's Office
201 E. Washington Avenue
P.O. Box 7946
Madison, WI 53707-7946
Telephone: (608) 266-3131
Fax: (608) 266-1784
Email: [email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Apr. 16, 2026
CONTACT: DWD Communications
[email protected]
BLS Data: Wisconsin February Employment Numbers Released; Unemployment Ticks Up to 3.4%
MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) today announced the following information for Wisconsin’s labor market, reflecting February 2026 preliminary estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Employment – There were 3,019,300 people employed in Wisconsin, up 1,500 over the month and down 11,900 over the year.
- Labor Force – The state’s labor force participation rate increased to 64.4% which is 2.4 percentage points above the national rate of 62.0%.
- Nonfarm Jobs – The total nonfarm jobs in the state were 3,019,900, a decrease of 10,500 over last month.
- Unemployment – The state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate ticked up to 3.4%, which is 1.0 percentage points below the national unemployment rate of 4.4% View Wisconsin Labor Force Summary ## ABOUT DWD
Wisconsin's Department of Workforce Development efficiently delivers effective and inclusive services to meet Wisconsin's diverse workforce needs now and for the future. The department advocates for and invests in the protection and economic advancement of all Wisconsin workers, employers, and job seekers through six divisions – Employment and Training, Vocational Rehabilitation, Unemployment Insurance, Equal Rights, Worker's Compensation, and Administrative Services. To keep up with DWD announcements and information, sign up for news releases and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.
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201 E. Washington Ave
P.O. Box 7946
Madison, WI 53707
(608) 266-3131
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