Every year on February 2, our nation’s esteemed animal meteorologist, Punxsutawney Phil, lets the country know if he predicts an early spring or six more weeks of winter.
Meanwhile, local atmospheric and space scientists (Standard Occupational Classification 19-2021), including meteorologists, weather analysts and forecasters, continue to study and predict Idaho’s weather on a daily and long-term basis. Continue reading
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Jan. 22, 2025
Media Contact: Craig.Shaul@labor.idaho.gov
Idaho Department of Labor Research Analyst Supervisor Craig Shaul will lead a discussion about the state’s labor market outlook for 2025 in a free webinar, Tuesday, Jan. 28. Labor economists Jan Roeser and Ryan Whitesides will participate in the discussion.
The webinar topics include the state’s economic growth, inflation, population growth, labor market growth and more. These topics will be covered more in-depth in additional webinars during 2025. The team will also be discussing research projects that will be released this year.
Today, bagel lovers rise to the occasion to celebrate National Bagel Day. This annual celebration is only possible due to the tireless efforts of bakers (Standard Occupational Code of 51-3011).
In Idaho, the median wages and employment for bakers have been on a roll in recent years. In 2023, the median hourly wage for this job was $15.34 — an increase of 31.1% from $11.70 in 2018. Similarly, estimated employment was 1,330 in 2023 — up from 900 in 2018. Continue reading
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Dec. 11, 2024
Media Contact: Samuel.Wolkenhauer@labor.idaho.gov
Idaho Department of Labor economist Sam Wolkenhauer will discuss how the state’s economy is showing levels of growth at a free webinar Tuesday, Dec. 17.
The webinar will include topics such as inflation, employment, the unemployment rate and population. The presentation takes place from 11 a.m. to noon MT over Zoom. Continue reading
Over the past few years, Idaho has reported one of the highest growth rates for both population and employment. The state has also seen high levels of business startups, driven by a historically large increase in small employer establishments, those with fewer than five employees on payroll.
Idaho employer establishments with fewer than five employees accounted for 73% of all employment establishments in 2023 and comprised 86% of total employer establishment growth over the past five-year period from 2018-2023. These small employers had both the fastest establishment growth rate statewide of all firm sizes and also increased their contribution of statewide covered employment from 8% in 2018 to 10% in 2023.
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Nov. 6, 2024
Media Contact: Craig.Shaul@labor.idaho.gov
Labor Economists Seth Harrington, Lisa Grigg and Brandon Duong will be joined by Research Supervisor Craig Shaul to discuss results from the second annual Idaho Business Climate survey, Tuesday, Nov. 12, from 11 a.m. to noon MT via Zoom.
Idaho Department of Labor economists developed this survey to obtain “real-time” data within the state. Broad measures of national employment data are readily available and released quickly, but statewide data, if available, often lags by as long as one to three years.
As Idaho’s pumpkin and greens season comes to a close, the work of an agricultural technician is never done. They must work with scientists to collect, analyze and interpret findings to improve the quality of crops and livestock.
The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics report shares wages and employment of agricultural technicians (Standard Occupational Code 19-4012) across the nation. In 2023, the average hourly wage for this position in Idaho and six of its neighboring states ranged from $20.92 to $29.89, with Idaho near the middle at $24 an hour. Continue reading
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Oct. 30, 2024
Media Contact: Jennifer.Heisler@labor.idaho.gov
In September, there were 617 unique job postings for southeastern Idaho, with approximately 200 employers seeking workers, according to Conference Board data via Lightcast.
“Opportunities for job seekers are in a variety of industries including in transportation, vegetable manufacturing, semiconductor manufacturing, government support and more,” Labor Economist Brandon Duong said. “Skills in power tool operation, bookkeeping and heavy equipment machinery are also in high demand.”
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Oct. 22, 2024
Media Contact: Kandi.Rudd@labor.idaho.gov
Idaho employers are invited to learn about unemployment insurance (UI) tax compliance from the Idaho Department of Labor during a free Zoom webinar, Wednesday, Oct. 30, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. MDT.
UI Program Supervisor Eric Patera will discuss experience ratings, covered employment, corporate officers, independent contractors, accountable plan reimbursements and the employer portal.
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Oct. 9, 2024
Media Contact: Jaquetta.Banks@labor.idaho.gov
There are approximately 1,500 open job postings in Kootenai County from 560 different employers.
“The top five industries looking to hire qualified candidates include administrative and support services; ambulatory health care services; hospitals; food services and drinking places; and lastly, professional, scientific and technical services,” Labor Economist Sam Wolkenhauer said.
Many employers will connect with job seekers at a hiring event Wednesday, Oct. 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Real Life Ministries. The address is 1860 N. Cecil Road.