Unemployment Rate

About this Indicator

This indicator compares the average unemployment rates among adults by educational attainment. The unemployment rate is the 12-month average percentage of persons aged 25 and older in the civilian labor force who are not employed, available for work (except for temporary illness), and have made specific efforts to find employment. The civilian labor force includes all people in the civilian noninstitutional population who are employed or seeking employment. Unemployment rates are available for all persons aged 25 and older and those who have attained less than a high school diploma; a high school diploma or equivalent; some college but no degree or an associate degree; and a bachelor’s degree or higher. College certificates are included within the “some college/associate degree” category.

Data Source

Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment status of the civilian noninstitutional population 25 years and older, by educational attainment.

Note: The 2025 average unemployment rates exclude October data due to the federal government shutdown. As a result, 2025 annual estimates are not strictly comparable with annual averages for other years.