August 2026 Labor Force Data Now Available
Details
Iowa’s unemployment rate held at 3.2 percent for the fourth month in a row. Meanwhile, Iowa employers added 2,400 new jobs, led by 1,300 in manufacturing alone.
Iowa's Labor Market
IWD's Labor Market Information Division is the state's premier resource for labor force data, statistics, and research on Iowa's labor pool and economy.
State of Iowa's Labor Market
3.2%
Unemployment Rate (August 2026)
700
Job Growth Over the Past Year
60,378
Current Job Openings in Iowa
Unemployment Statistics (August 2026)
67.0%
Labor Force Participation Rate
-12,700
Change in labor force over the past year
54,700
Total Unemployed
Labor Market Information
Unemployment in Iowa
Unemployment and jobs data are collected through two main surveys, one for individuals and one for businesses in Iowa.
The Latest on the Labor Market
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Labor Market Indicators
Get the latest data on Iowa's labor force, including figures on the unemployment rate, UI claimants, job growth & more.
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Occupation: Employment & Wages
LMI measures the state's trends on wages, occupations, and related metrics that can guide the career paths of Iowans.
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Labor Supply & Availability
LMI's Laborshed studies and related research help paint a picture of the state's workforce needs and where Iowans work.
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Industry & Employers
LMI studies trends in Iowa's industries and the occupations driving the future of the state's workforce.
Top Job Postings on IowaWORKS.gov
Top 25 Job Postings on Iowa's Largest Jobs Bank
View the top job postings on IowaWORKS.gov:
1. Registered Nurses
2. Customer Service Representatives
3. Physicians
Plan for a Career or the Right Job
Career Exploration Resources
LMI provides essential tools to support an individuals' career path or professional fulfillment. Get started today.
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A Snapshot of Iowa's Labor Force
Laborshed Studies
Laborshed Studies provide a detailed view of labor force availability and characteristics for cities, regions, and more.
Labor Market Quick Links
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Employer Database
A comprehensive database of Iowa's employers meant for research, job search, or support services.
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LMI Frequently Asked Questions
Most commonly asked questions on LMI research, programs, or products.
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Labor Market Quick Stats
A snapshot view of Iowa's economy and its current trends.
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Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages
LMI's census of monthly employment and quarterly wage information, filtered by industry.
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Resources
Additional LMI resources available that are not specific to one particular area.
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Site Guide
A guide to common terms and resources found within Iowa's Labor Market Information Division.
Connect with LMI
Contact Iowa's Labor Market Information Division
Questions, comments, or requests? Contact the Labor Market Information Division today.
Email address: [email protected]
