February 2026 State Payroll Data Little Changed

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The February 2026 State Employment Report from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics was not much different than the January 2026 report, with the state statistics continuing to reflect a stagnant national labor market. Payrolls were flat in the vast majority of states both on a m/m and y/y basis and unemployment rates were little changed m/m. However, 13 states saw their u-rates rise y/y, with Maryland, Delaware, Florida and Minnesota reporting increases of about 1%. Indiana and Ohio saw their u-rates decline slightly y/y. Arizona was the only state to see meaningful m/m payroll gains in February, while Illinois and Nevada saw losses. Over the year, payrolls were up in California, and Nevada, and down in DC, Maryland, and Iowa. The gains in California were almost entirely driven by significant increases in health and education employment, although the professional and business services category also saw some gains. The situation was similar in Nevada, but increases in leisure and hospitality also helped boost that state’s numbers. Government payroll cuts continue to affect DC and Maryland, while Iowa posted losses in the leisure and hospitality and trade and transportation sectors. The below exhibit is reproduced from the BLS release. 


Source: USBLS


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