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Idaho’s September unemployment rate remains at 3.6%

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Oct. 16, 2026
Media Contact: Craig.Shaul@labor.idaho.gov or Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was unchanged between August and September, staying at 3.6%.

September’s labor force decreased by 508 (-0.1%) people to 997,822 while the labor force participation rate – the percentage of people 16 years or older who are either employed or looking for work – decreased by 0.1 percentage point between August and September to 61.4%.

Total employment decreased by 585 (-0.1%) to 961,587 and unemployment increased by 77 (0.2%) to 36,235.

Continue reading →

Meet employers at hiring event in Kootenai County

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Oct. 14, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

The Idaho Department of Labor is hosting a hiring event Wednesday, Oct. 21, at the department’s Post Falls office. The address is 600 N. Thornton St.

The event is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Employers planning to attend include Idaho Division of Veterans Services, North Idaho College Workforce Training, Serengeti Care, Coeur d’Alene Schools, CornerStone Senior Living, Milestone Decisions, Huntwood Custom Cabinets, Sevita Health, Toastmasters and Atlas Staffing, Inc.

Open positions available include registered nurses, certified nursing assistants, cabinet sales and design specialists, temporary recreation assistants, machine operators and caregivers.

For a complete list of employers attending, visit the department’s calendar. Continue reading →

Employers will learn about unemployment insurance process at webinar

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Oct. 8, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho employers are invited to learn about the unemployment insurance (UI) process from the Idaho Department of Labor during a webinar, Thursday, Oct. 22, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. MT.

Adjudication Supervisor Eric Erickson and UI Claims Adjudicator Kim Eisenbarth will discuss in detail the different employee separations (laid off, discharged or quit), separation documentation, investigating unemployment claims, determining claim outcomes, chargeability and liability, claimant eligibility, employer attachment and using E-services.

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Idaho expected to see annual employment growth over national average through 2034

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Oct. 7, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho’s labor market is expected to continue its significant expansion through the end of the decade, with a projected employment growth rate of 1.3% per year and a total employment count reaching 1,028,760 by 2034. These new long-term employment projections are estimates from the Idaho Department of Labor and cover the period from 2024-2034.

Idaho’s long-term projected growth rate of 1.3% is significantly higher than the national forecast. The most recent projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipate a national growth rate of approximately 0.3% annually — less than one fourth of the projected growth rate for Idaho.

These projections are consistent with Idaho’s record of strong job creation in recent years, including rapid growth from 2010-2020, and an economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic that was among the strongest in the nation. Continue reading →

Labor economist will present data on self-employment in Idaho at upcoming webinar

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Oct. 6, 2026
Media Contact: Knox.Freedman@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho Department of Labor Economist Knox Freedman will be examining self-employment statistics and evaluating trends in the state at a webinar, Tuesday, Oct. 13.

This webinar will also analyze the impacts of self-employment on the broader labor market and economy, as well as its relationship to wages and labor supply.

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Idaho’s job market experiences rising demand, stubborn shortages and changing expectations

Idaho’s labor market has changed significantly over the past 10 years. For many years, Idaho employers were generally better at finding workers than other states. However, more recent job vacancy data, such as the time it takes to fill jobs, turnover rates and job postings, show that expectations have shifted. Employers now find it harder to fill open jobs, while workers have more opportunities.

Job vacancy yield

The past few years have seen some of the tightest labor markets in modern history for both Idaho and the nation, making it difficult for many employers to fill open positions. One of the indicators of how effectively employers are able to fill jobs is the monthly vacancy yield, which measures the number of hires each month compared with the number of job openings remaining from the previous month.

As shown in Figure 1 below, Idaho employers have hired about one person for every job vacancy at many points over the past decade, which is considered strong labor demand. Continue reading →

Around Idaho: Economic activity, September 2026

Map of IdahoInformation provided in these news updates is collected up until the end of September and includes professional sources, news releases, weekly and daily newspapers, television and other media.

Northern Idaho
North central Idaho
Southwestern Idaho
South central Idaho
Southeastern Idaho
Eastern Idaho

NORTHERN IDAHO

Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai and Shoshone counties

Regional news

  • Unemployment insurance (UI) weekly claims: The northern region reported 50 average weekly initial UI claims and 319 average weekly continuing claims during August 2026. Initial claim volume has increased 12.7% from the previous month and decreased 5.3% from August 2025. Statewide, weekly initial claims decreased 13.6% from July 2026 and 29.2% from August 2025. Statewide continuing claims decreased 12.2% from last month and 12.2% from August 2025. Source: Idaho Department of Labor
  • North Idaho College and Lewis‑Clark State College announced a memorandum of understanding establishing a co‑admission and co‑enrollment agreement. The agreement is designed to provide a seamless pathway for students to earn an associate degree at North Idaho College and complete a bachelor’s degree at Lewis‑Clark State College. Students participating in co‑enrollment will have access to resources at both institutions. Source: North Idaho College
  • ATC Manufacturing began construction to expand the Post Falls facility. The project will increase the facility’s size by 57,365 square feet and is expected to double workforce capacity upon completion. The expansion is projected to be finished in summer 2027. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
  • Rehabilitation Hospital of the Northwest completed a series of facility expansions and enhancements. The hospital provides care for individuals recovering from disabilities resulting from injuries, illness or chronic medical conditions. The complete improvements increased the facility’s capacity to 70 private patient rooms. Source: Ernest Health
  • Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories has continued expanding its operations in Idaho with the purchase of a large industrial building in Post Falls. This expansion will allow the company to bring two facilities online to help meet demand for its electronic devices. The new manufacturing facility is expected to be fully operational in 2027 and to initially create approximately 250 manufacturing careers. Source: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories

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Fall Canyon County hiring event features around 35 various employers

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Sept. 24, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

The Idaho Department of Labor is hosting a hiring event Thursday, Oct. 1, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the department’s Caldwell office. The address is 4514 Thomas Jefferson St.

Employers attending include Bogus Basin, Caldwell Public Library, D&B Supply, Fred Meyer, HB Specialty Foods, Idaho Department of Correction, Idaho Housing and Finance Association, Panda Express, Piedmont Airlines, Rock Hard Granite, Treasure Valley Transit and more.

Open positions available include bus drivers, production managers, construction laborers, manufacturers, correctional officers, certified nursing assistants, store associates and others.

For a complete list of employers attending, visit the department’s calendar.

Continue reading →

Governor recognizes Lava Hot Springs volunteer for contributions

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Sept. 24, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

MarthaFae Frymire being presented with the Idaho's Brightest Star award by Serve Idaho commissioner Farhana Hibbert and Gov. Brad Little

Left to right: MarthaFae Frymire, Serve Idaho Commissioner Farhana Hibbert, Gov. Brad Little

A volunteer from Lava Hot Springs was honored for her service at the Idaho Capital for a Day event hosted by Gov. Brad Little, Tuesday, Sept. 22.

Serve Idaho, the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism, recognized MarthaFae Frymire with the Idaho’s Brightest Star Award for her exceptional volunteer service.

Frymire was nominated by the Lava Hot Springs Senior Center for her dedicated work supporting seniors in the community by taking them on trips to places like the zoo and museum. She also started a weekly bingo game that brings together connection and friendship within the community. Continue reading →

Idaho’s August unemployment rate remains at 3.6%

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Sept. 18, 2026
Media Contact: John.Panter@labor.idaho.gov or Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was unchanged between July and August, staying at 3.6%.

August’s labor force decreased by 486 people to 998,378 while the labor force participation rate – the percentage of people 16 years or older who are either employed or looking for work – decreased by 0.1 percentage point between July and August to 61.5%.

Total employment decreased by 410 to 962,214 and unemployment decreased by 76 (-0.2%) to 36,164. Continue reading →