Overall unemployment rate moved down to 1.7% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 2,800 roles, based on the most recently available information published in November 2021.

Total employment in the Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA market rose by 342 jobs in September and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 60 bps to 1.7%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 72 bps over the same time to 4.6%.

  • Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA unemployment rate is 286 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 260 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in September versus prior month by 3.7% and are down compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA Unemployment September 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.3% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 93,200; +300
  • Education & Healthcare: 79,700; +300
  • Business Services: 72,000; -400
  • Government: 65,400; +2,800
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 49,600; -300
  • Financial Services: 43,500; -400
  • Manufacturing: 33,700; -300
  • Construction, Mining: 31,000; -800
  • Other Jobs: 18,800; +200
  • IT & Development: 9,800; -100
Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA Unemployment by Industry September 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through September 2021 (Data published November 2021 and reports created on November 3, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.