Indiana Unemployment Rate Remains Unchanged in May

The state's jobless rate remains lower than the national average.

Shutterstock photo.

INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana’s unemployment rate in May remained unchanged from the previous month, holding steady at 2.2%, according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD). By comparison, the national unemployment rate in May stood at 3.6%, also remaining stable from April.

In addition, Indiana’s labor force participation rate rose again, from 62.6% in April to 62.9% in May, remaining above the national rate of 62.3%. Indiana’s total labor force, which includes both Hoosiers employed and those seeking employment, stands at 3,364,365—an increase of 16,374 from the previous month.

“While the number of people working in the private sector is at a new high, there remains numerous available job opportunities throughout Indiana,” said DWD Commissioner Fred Payne. “More and more Hoosiers have spent the last several months reassessing their career and career goals, and the May employment report shows individuals continue to return to the workplace.”

Private sector employment in Indiana decreased by 5,300 jobs over the last month, translating to a gain of 105,200 jobs from this time last year. Total private employment now stands at 2,759,300. Industries that experienced job increases in May included:

• Manufacturing (+2,400);
• Professional and Business Services (+2,000); and
• Leisure and Hospitality (+1,000).

As of June 1, 2022, there were 159,763 open job postings throughout the state. The number of people in Indiana that received unemployment benefits during May was 16,902.