Labor on!(STATESTATS) (Brief article)

Grover Cleveland signed legislation in 1894 making Labor Day an official national holiday. The idea came from the states; half of them were already observing "workingmen's holidays" to celebrate the social and economic achievements of American workers. Always the first Monday in September, this year we'll celebrate on September 4. Here's a snapshot of today's workforce and what they face.

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Back to Work

Ranking states by their seasonally adjusted unemployment rates in June 2017 places Colorado and North Dakota on top with a tow rate of 2.3 percent each. Alaska currently has the highest rate, at 6.8 percent.

Lowest

Colorado 2.3%

North Dakota 2.3%

Hawaii 2.7%

Nebraska 2.9%

New Hampshire 2.9%

Highest

Arizona 5.1%

Kentucky 5.1%

Louisiana 5.5%

D.C. 6.2%

New Mexico 6.4%

Alaska 6.8%

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. June 2017data.

Jobs Ahead

The top 10 occupations projected to grow the most (numerically) between 2014 and 2024, with their average salaries in 2016. Personal care aides $21,920 Registered nurses $68,450 Home health aides $22,600 Food preparers/servers, incl., fast food $19,440 Retail salespersons $22,680 Nursing...