Wisconsin employers added an estimated 11,800 payroll jobs in August, while the state unemployment rate edged down to 3.2% and the labor force expanded. The latest figures show simultaneous growth in workplace payrolls and the number of Wisconsin residents working.

Total nonfarm employment rose from 3.046 million in July to 3.057 million in August, according to the federal industry tables released Friday. Payrolls were about 19,400 higher than in August 2025, an increase of roughly 0.6%.

Government recorded the largest monthly gain, adding an estimated 6,200 jobs. Construction and education and health services each added about 2,800, while leisure and hospitality increased by approximately 1,800. Manufacturing and professional and business services each grew by roughly 300.

The broad increase was partly offset by a loss of about 1,400 jobs in trade, transportation and utilities. Financial activities were unchanged from July. Compared with August 2025, construction had the largest proportional gain among the major published sectors, adding approximately 10,500 jobs, while trade, transportation and utilities was down about 11,200.

The separate household survey also improved in August. Wisconsin’s civilian labor force increased by 8,728 people to 3.148 million, while the number classified as unemployed declined by 587 to 102,083, the labor-force table shows. Estimated resident employment therefore rose by about 9,300 to 3.046 million.

Wisconsin’s unemployment rate moved down from 3.3% in July but remained slightly above the 3.1% recorded in August 2025. The monthly federal series shows the rate has remained between 3.1% and 3.3% throughout 2026. It stayed below the 4.1% national rate.

Over the year, Wisconsin’s labor force expanded by roughly 44,000 people, resident employment increased by about 36,800 and unemployment grew by approximately 7,200. That combination suggests the state drew more people into work or active job searches while employers continued to add positions.

The payroll and household surveys measure different populations. Payroll estimates count jobs located at Wisconsin establishments and can count one worker more than once. Household estimates count employed state residents, including self-employed workers. The national release notes that both monthly series are preliminary and subject to revision.

Wisconsin’s monthly payroll increase was larger than its entire net gain over several recent months, but the federal report did not identify it as statistically significant. Nationally, payroll employment increased significantly in only four states during August and was essentially unchanged in 46 states and the District of Columbia.

For employers and state officials, August’s results are stronger than a falling unemployment rate alone would indicate: payrolls, resident employment and labor-force participation all increased. A growing labor force can give businesses a larger pool of available workers, while continued payroll gains can support household income and state revenue. The next monthly report will test whether the construction, government and health-related gains persist and whether trade and transportation stabilize.