BBA Data Debrief – June 2025
Each month, the Alabama Labor Market Information (LMI) newsletter provides data and analysis on the workforce, including labor force participation rates, unemployment rates and employment trends on a statewide and regional level. In coordination with the LMI, the Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA)’s Data Debrief for June 2025 highlights changes in our regional labor market and provides essential insights.
Key Point #1. The trend of unchanged unemployment rates for the state continues from last month’s report. The labor force participation rate did not change month to month, both seasonally and non-seasonally adjusted, with unemployment only slightly adjusting by .1% or .2% month-over-month. This is on par with national trends as we only see a .1% decrease in the national labor force participation and a .1% increase in the unemployment rate. Over the last few months, we have seen slow adjustments to labor market activity.
Key Point #2. We have seen notable changes in month-to-month job growth in comparison to the deficit we’ve seen in the previous report. The Greater Birmingham region has actually outperformed other regions in the state, with a 2,100-job surplus from May 2025 to June 2025. Other regions in the state have experienced either small increases in month-to-month job growth or have significant deficits across their goods-producing and service industries. These regions include Huntsville (-300), Mobile (0), Montgomery (-200), and Tuscaloosa (-800).
Key Point #3. Average weekly earnings and hours have also increased from May 2025 to June 2025, with workers in the region experiencing an increase from $1,130.26 to $1,145.23; hours increased from 34.9 to 35.5 hours a week. Nearly all regions in the state (except Montgomery) experienced either a slight or significant increase in weekly earnings, with Mobile coming in with the highest increase from $1,094.70 to $1,145.95.
In conclusion, the Birmingham region’s workforce, although it fluctuates, has had a period of strong job growth after experiencing a job deficit. Through our efforts in economic and workforce development, we will continue to help bring opportunities to our state by working with our businesses to ensure they are in the best place to recruit new talent.
The Wall Street Journal recently published a story on the healthiest job markets for recent grads, and Birmingham is among the top cities featured. The BBA supported the story by providing data and background on Birmingham’s strong job market, affordability, cost of living and more. This national coverage shines a bright light on the work we’re all doing to make Birmingham a place where young professionals can launch and grow their careers.
Through programs like FuelAL and leveraging partnerships throughout the Birmingham region to strengthen our talent pipelines, we are confident that our students and young professionals will continue to see experience why Birmingham Has More.
To read The Wall Street Journal piece, click here. To learn “Why Birmingham,” click here.