Nevada continues to lead the nation in job growth, expanding its workforce at more than double the rate of the second‑fastest‑growing state, according to data released Wednesday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
From February 2025 to February 2026, Nevada added 34,500 jobs, a 2.2 percent increase, with the second-fastest-growing state growing by 0.8 percent in the same period.
In addition to leading the nation in the rate of job growth, Nevada also ranks among the top five states in the number of jobs added over the past year.
This is a rare distinction for a state with a comparatively smaller population. It is the first time Nevada ranks in the top five for total jobs added over a twelve-month period since the early 2000s.
“Nevada added jobs at an elevated pace, while many states experienced slower job gains or lost jobs over the last 12 months,” said DETR Chief Economist David Schmidt. “Nevada has more jobs today than at any point in its history, and employers are adding positions at a pace unmatched anywhere else in the country.”
“I’m excited to see Nevada far outpacing the rest of the nation in job growth, reflecting the strength of our expanding and increasingly diverse economy,” said Gov. Joe Lombardo. “We are creating real opportunities for Nevadans across every industry and every community. Nevada is not only a premier destination to visit, but a thriving place to live, work, and call home.”
Nevada added jobs at a particularly rapid pace in Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (7.9%, #2 nationally), Information (7.2%, #1 nationally), Professional and Business Services (4.9%, #1 nationally), and Health Care and Social Assistance (4.4%, #1 nationally) in the last 12 months, reflecting the broad diversity of industries experiencing this growth in the past year.
Meanwhile, Nevada’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.3 percent in February 2026 which was unchanged from January, according to the latest report from the According to the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation’s (DETR.)
February 2026 economic report, the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.3 percent in February 2026 which was unchanged from January.
Seasonally adjusted estimates account for regularly seen economic patterns, with the following estimates not seasonally adjusted.
In the three Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA), the unemployment rates were 4.5 percent in the Carson City area, 4.6 percent in Reno and 5.8 percent in the Las Vegas area in February 2026.
In Nevada’s counties, the lowest unemployment rate was observed in Humboldt County at 3.8 percent, while Mineral County had the highest rate at 10.8 percent. For a look at the unemployment rate in your county, visit our Area Profiles Page.
For the latest information on the Nevada economy including employment, unemployment, and unemployment insurance check out our monthly Labor Market Overview, or to see the data on your area, take a look at our monthly Local Area Labor Market Overview.
Additional information on unemployment estimates along with a complete breakout of unemployment in counties, cities, and other areas in Nevada can be found by visiting our Local Area Unemployment Statistics page.
Additionally, employment estimates by industry can be found at our Current Employment Statistics page. Seasonally adjusted estimates account for regularly seen economic patterns, with the following estimates not seasonally adjusted.
