(9-18-2026) - August employment down 0.3% from August 2025

August jobs Down 0.3% From August 2025

Sept. 18, 2026
No. 26-18

JUNEAU, Alaska - Alaska had 900 fewer jobs in August than in August 2025, with 800 new private-sector jobs offset by the loss of 1,700 public-sector jobs over the year.

The transportation, warehousing and utilities sector added 1,300 jobs; oil and gas added 600; the other services category added 300 and health care added 100.

Manufacturing - primarily seafood processing - was down 500 jobs over the year, with weak salmon runs contributing. Construction lost 400 jobs. Professional and business services and leisure and hospitality were each down by 200. Retail, information and financial activities were each down by 100.

The public sector lost 1,300 federal jobs and 400 state government jobs. Local government, which includes public schools, was flat.

Alaska's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.3 percent, and the U.S rate was 4.1 percent. Both were unchanged from the month before.

last updated: Sept. 17, 2026