According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provisional estimates, in July 2003 the seasonally adjusted civilian labor force in Alaska numbered 345,000, with approximately 27,100 workers unemployed, yielding an unemployment rate of 7.9%, compared to the national average of 6.2% for the same period. Since the beginning of the BLS data series in 1978, the highest unemployment rate recorded was 11.6% in August 1986. The historical low was 5.6% in November 1998. It is estimated that in 2001, 5.8% of the labor force was employed in construction; 2.9% in manufacturing; 8.8% in transportation, communications, and public utilities; 17.0% in trade; 2.9% in finance, insurance, and real estate; 23.4% in services; 26.2% in government; and 0.8% in agriculture.
The US Department of Labor reported that in 2002, 64,000 of Alaska's 262,000 employed wage and salary workers were members of unions. This represented 24.3% of those so employed, up from 21.7% in 2001. The national average is 13.2%. Alaska is one of only four states with a union membership rate over 20%. In all, 70,000 workers (26.7%) were represented by unions. In addition to union members, this category includes workers who report no union affiliation but whose jobs are covered by a union contract. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters is especially strong in the state, covering a range of workers from truck drivers to school administrators.