Nebraska’s labor force shrank by nearly 7,800 people over the past year, while the state’s unemployment rate remained at 2.9% in September, according to preliminary federal employment data.
The seasonally adjusted rate was unchanged from August and September 2025. Nebraska had the nation’s sixth-lowest unemployment rate, below the September national rate of 4.2%.
The state’s labor force totaled 1,095,378 people in September, down from 1,103,170 a year earlier. The labor force includes people who are employed or actively looking for work.
An estimated 1,064,128 Nebraskans were employed in September, while 31,250 were unemployed. Compared with September 2025, both employment and unemployment declined: About 6,600 fewer people were employed, and about 1,200 fewer were unemployed.
The figures show that an unchanged unemployment rate can accompany a smaller workforce. The data do not establish why people left the labor force.
Nebraska’s October employment figures are scheduled for release Nov. 20 at 9 a.m. Central time.