Oklahoma's unemployment rate remains steady for January

Oklahoma's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was unchanged at 3.5 percent in January. The U.S. unemployment rate was unchanged at 3.7 percent in January. Over the year, the state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 0.4 percentage point higher than January 2023.

Oklahoma seasonally adjusted nonfarm employment added jobs in January, with an increase by 4,100 jobs (0.2 percent). U.S. seasonally adjusted nonfarm employment rose by 229,000 jobs (0.1) percent in the same month.

Seven of Oklahoma's super sectors added jobs, as Education and Health Services (1,700 jobs) followed by Mining and Logging (1,000 jobs) reported the largest job gains over the month. Other Services (-1,000 jobs) followed by Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (-600 jobs) posted the largest over-the-month job losses in January.

Seven of Oklahoma's super sectors reported job gains over the year in January, as Education and Health Services (13,900 jobs) posted the largest gain, followed by Government (10,000 jobs). Professional and Business Services (-5,600 jobs), followed by Trade, Transportation and Utilities (-2,700 jobs) reported the largest over-the-year job losses in January.

Average hourly wage (12-month average) in Oklahoma's private sector January, grew to $29.07, up from $28.94 the prior month and $27.11 a year ago.