Employment Increases in Arkansas as Unemployment Remains at 4.3% in April

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (May 22, 2026) — Today, the Arkansas Department of Commerce, in conjunction with the Bureau of Labor Statistics, announced Arkansas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained stable at 4.3% between March and April. The United States’ jobless rate also remained unchanged at 4.3% over the month.

Arkansas Civilian Labor Force Summary:

• Arkansas’ civilian labor force declined by 853 in April, a result of 1,212 fewer unemployed Arkansans actively seeking work and an increase of 359 employed. Employment remained at a record-high level for the fourth consecutive month. The labor force participation rate declined slightly, from 59.2% in March to 59.1% in April.
• Compared to April 2025, there are 19,615 more employed Arkansans. The unemployment rate is up four-tenths of a percentage point over the year, with 5,870 additional unemployed Arkansans actively looking for work. The labor force participation rate is up six-tenths of a percentage point, from 58.5% last April.

Arkansas Nonfarm Payroll Job Summary:

• Arkansas’ nonfarm payroll jobs rose by 5,800 in April to total 1,347,400. Nine major industry sectors added jobs over the month. The largest gains occurred in Leisure and Hospitality (+2,400) and Professional and Business Services (+1,800).
• Compared to April 2025, nonfarm payroll jobs in Arkansas are up 3,500. The largest growth was posted in Trade-Transportation-Utilities (+2,800), Leisure and Hospitality (+2,600), and Private Education and Health Services (+2,200). Losses occurred in Government (-1,900) and in Construction (-1,400).

Arkansas Civilian Labor Force (Seasonally Adjusted)

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Population Survey. More information about the data is available at https://www.bls.gov/cps/definitions.htm 

Arkansas Nonfarm Payroll Jobs (Not Seasonally Adjusted, In Thousands)

Source: Monthly Survey of Employers, based on 1^st Quarter 2025 benchmark. Note: Current month’s data are preliminary; previous month’s data are revised.

Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates AR vs. US (3-Year Comparison)

Data for October 2025 is not available due to a lapse in federal appropriations.

Job Gains/Losses by Major Industry Sectors  April 2025 to April 2026 (Not Seasonally Adjusted)

For more labor market data, visit our website at www.discover.arkansas.gov.