Iowa employers added 4,600 jobs in November, boosted by hiring in education and health services sectors as well as construction, and trade, transportation and utilities, new data from Iowa Workforce Development shows.

Iowa’s total nonfarm employment in November was 1,599,800, up from October’s 1,595,200, state data shows. In November 2024, Iowa’s total nonfarm employment was 1,590,800. Sectors that added jobs in November include education and health services (1,100); trade, transportation and utilities (1,000); construction (900); and professional and business services (800).

“Iowa saw strong hiring nearly across the board in November and ended with 9,000 more jobs than the year before – a trend we hope continues in future reports,” Beth Townsend, the state agency’s executive director, said in a prepared statement.

Overall, Iowa’s unemployment rate for November was 3.5%, up slightly from a year ago when it was 3.3%. (October’s unemployment rate is unavailable because of the government shutdown.) Iowa’s labor force participation rate in November was 67.5%; a year ago it was 66.9%.

The U.S. unemployment rate in November was 4.6%. To read the entire report, click here.