The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development released unemployment data for the month of September, and the rate rose slightly by two-tenths of a percentage point to 3.1 percent. That figure still trails the national rate of 3.8 percent. 

Over the month, the total number of unemployed people increased by 7,100, while the total number of people employed decreased by 1,800. That said the labor force grew, gaining 5,400 more workers over the month. 

The state’s total labor force participation rate rose to 65.8 percent in September, which also outpaced the national rate of 62.8 percent. Additionally, the state reached a record number of jobs for the third consecutive month, as total nonfarm jobs hit 3,017,800. That figure is an 8,300 job increase since last month, and a 34,500 job increase from this time last year. 

Looking at specific sectors, the largest gains have come from the private sector, as jobs increased by 5,800 from August to September. Outside of that, construction jobs reached a record high after growing by 600, and year-over-year, health care and social assistance jobs grew by 12,200.