Wisconsin January 2026 Unemployment Rate Statistics
Summary
The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development released January 2026 preliminary employment statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 3.3%, up 0.3 percentage points from December, though remaining 1.0 percentage points below the national rate of 4.3%. Total employment reached 3,017,400 with a labor force participation rate of 64.3%.
What changed
The Wisconsin DWD published January 2026 labor market data, reporting 3,017,400 employed Wisconsinites, an increase of 800 over the month and decrease of 18,600 over the year. The state's unemployment rate ticked up to 3.3% from December, while the labor force participation rate increased to 64.3%, exceeding the national rate by 1.8 percentage points. Nonfarm jobs totaled 3,032,500, adding 8,000 positions from December.
This is a routine statistical release with no regulatory requirements or compliance obligations. No action is required from employers, workers, or other parties. The data is informational for workforce planning and economic analysis purposes only.
Archived snapshot
Apr 2, 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: sec@dwd.wisconsin.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Apr. 2, 2026
CONTACT: DWD Communications
CommunicationsOffice@dwd.wisconsin.gov
BLS Data: Wisconsin January Employment Numbers Released; Unemployment Ticks Up to 3.3%
MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) today announced the following information for Wisconsin’s labor market, reflecting January 2026 preliminary estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Employment – There were 3,017,400 people employed in Wisconsin, up 800 over the month and down 18,600 over the year.
- Labor Force – The state’s labor force participation rate increased to 64.3%, which is 1.8 percentage points above the national rate of 62.5.
- Nonfarm Jobs – The total nonfarm jobs in the state were 3,032,500 an increase of 8,000 over December.
- Unemployment – The state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate ticked up over December to 3.3% which is 1.0 percentage points below the national unemployment rate of 4.3%. 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.
DWD Contact Information
201 E. Washington Ave
P.O. Box 7946
Madison, WI 53707
(608) 266-3131
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