Oklahoma’s unemployment rate edged higher in November, reflecting modest shifts in the state’s labor market as employment growth continued over the year but jobless numbers also rose.
According to the Oklahoma Employment Report for November 2025, the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 3.5 percent, up from 3.3 percent in November 2024. The rate also rose from 3.2 percent in September, although no data were reported for October due to a lapse in federal appropriations that temporarily halted household survey collection.
At the national level, the U.S. unemployment rate climbed to 4.6 percent in November, higher than Oklahoma’s rate and reflecting broader labor market softening across the country.
— Employment & Labor Force Trends Despite the increase in the unemployment rate, Oklahoma continued to see overall growth in its labor force and employment levels over the past year. The report shows that Oklahoma’s seasonally adjusted labor force totaled 2,020,139 people in November, with 1,950,066 employed and 70,073 unemployed.
Compared to November 2024, the state’s labor force grew by 30,335 people, an increase of 1.5 percent, while employment rose by 25,538 jobs, or 1.3 percent. At the same time, unemployment increased by 4,797 individuals, representing a 7.3 percent rise over the year.
Economists note that rising unemployment alongside job growth often signals more people entering the workforce, a trend that can temporarily push unemployment rates higher even as the economy expands.
— Monthly data impacted by federal shutdown The report also highlighted data limitations caused by the federal government shutdown earlier in the fall. Household survey estimates were not collected for October 2025 and were not gathered retroactively, leaving a gap between September and November figures. Data collection for November began later than usual and extended through the Thanksgiving period, resulting in a lower-than-average response rate of 64 percent.
— Non-farm employment holds steady Oklahoma’s non-farm employment remained flat in November, showing no month-to-month change, with total seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs holding at 1,806,800. Nationally, U.S. non-arm employment increased by 64,000 jobs during the same period.
Over the year, Oklahoma added 17,900 non-farm jobs, a 1.0 percent increase compared to November 2024. Growth was driven largely by service-providing industries, which gained 13,800 jobs, while goods-producing industries added 4,100 jobs.
— Sectors showing gains and losses Several sectors posted job gains in November. Professional and Business Services led monthly growth with an increase of 1,100 jobs, followed by Trade, Transportation, and Utilities, which added 700 jobs.
However, other sectors experienced declines. Leisure and Hospitality lost 1,000 jobs over the month, while Education and Health Services declined by 500 jobs.
On an annual basis, Education and Health Services recorded the largest year-over-year increase, adding 6,500 jobs, followed by Professional and Business Services, which grew by 4,100 jobs. Meanwhile, Leisure and Hospitality reported the largest annual decline with a loss of 1,900 jobs, and Government employment fell by 800 jobs statewide.
-While Oklahoma’s unemployment rate rose slightly in November, the state continues to see steady job growth and an expanding labor force. Officials caution that short-term fluctuations should be viewed in the context of long-term trends, particularly given recent data collection challenges and seasonal adjustments.
The full Oklahoma Employment Report provides additional breakdowns by industry and government sector and offers insight into how statewide employment patterns continue to evolve heading into 2026.
