Employment increased 2.3 percent in Alaska’s only large county, Anchorage Municipality, from June 2022 to June 2023 the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. (Large counties are those with annual average employment levels of 75,000 or more in 2022.) Regional Commissioner Chris Rosenlund noted that in June 2023, Anchorage Municipality’s employment totaled 148,500 and accounted for 43.4 percent of total employment within the state. (See table 1.)

National employment increased 2.4 percent over the year, with 337 of the 360 largest U.S. counties reporting gains. Midland, TX, had the largest increase in employment (+7.0 percent). Elkhart, IN, had the largest over-the-year percentage decrease in employment (-7.7 percent).

Alaska additionally consists of 17 smaller boroughs, 11 census areas, and 1 municipality, each of which is considered a county-level equivalent. Employment and wage levels (but not over-the-year changes) are also available for these 29 county equivalents in Alaska with employment below 75,000. Wage levels in 23 of the 29 smaller counties were below the national average of $1,332 in the second quarter of 2023. (See table 2.)

From the second quarter of 2022 to the second quarter of 2023, the average weekly wage in Anchorage Municipality rose 2.1 percent, compared to a 3.2-percent increase nationwide. Among the 360 largest counties in the United States, 332 had over-the-year wage increases. Clayton, GA, had the largest percentage wage increase (+17.2 percent). Elkhart, IN, had the largest over-the-year percentage decrease (-13.2 percent).

Anchorage Municipality’s $1,333 average weekly wage in the second quarter of 2023 ranked among the 88 largest U.S. counties and equivalents above the U.S. average ($1,332). Among the largest U.S. counties, 88 reported average weekly wages above the U.S. average in the second quarter of 2023. Santa Clara, CA, had the highest average weekly wage ($3,321). Average weekly wages were below the national average in the remaining 272 counties. Hidalgo, TX, had the lowest average weekly wage ($795).

Among the 29 smaller counties in Alaska—those with employment below 75,000—6 had average weekly wages higher than the national average of $1,332. North Slope Borough ($2,251) reported highest average weekly wage in the state, while Kusilvak Census Area ($824) reported the lowest.

When all 30 counties in Alaska were considered, 7 reported average weekly wages of less than $1,000, 7 registered wages from $1,000 to $1,099, 6 had wages from $1,100 to $1,199, and 10 had average weekly wages of $1,200 or higher. (See map 1.)

QCEW data for states have been included in this release in table 3. For additional information about quarterly employment and wages data, please read the Technical Note for the County Employment and Wages News Release or visit the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages website.

Employment and Wages Annual Averages Online features comprehensive information by detailed industry on establishments, employment, and wages for the nation and all states. This publication is typically published in September of the following year of the reference period or shortly after the QCEW first quarter full data update.

Information in this release will be made available to individuals with sensory impairments upon request. Voice phone: (202) 691-5200; Telecommunications Relay Service: 7-1-1.

The County Employment and Wages release for the third quarter 2023 is scheduled to be released on Wednesday, February 21, 2024. The County Employment and Wages full data update for the third quarter 2023 is scheduled to be released on Wednesday, March 6, 2024.