{"schema_version": 1, "id": "jackson-mi-msa/metro-job-market/2026-10", "product": "Metro Job Market Pulse", "metro": {"geography_id": 172, "label": "Jackson, MI MSA", "slug": "jackson-mi-msa"}, "focus_area": {"key": "general_conditions", "slug": "metro-job-market", "label": "General Market Conditions"}, "period": "2026-10", "public_after": "2026-10-01", "frozen_at": "2026-11-03T07:42:35.558046+00:00", "headline": "Jackson leads Michigan in job growth as its workforce shrinks.", "headline_summary": "Jackson's 1.2% payroll growth topped every Michigan metro through August even as its civilian labor force fell 6.4% to 68,800, a divergence that raises questions about how durable the metro's momentum really is.", "key_indicators": [{"label": "Jackson unemployment rate", "value": "4.6%", "context": "Down from 5.0% a year earlier (Sept 2026)"}, {"label": "Jackson payroll job growth", "value": "+1.2%", "context": "Led all 15 Michigan metros through Aug 2026"}, {"label": "Jackson civilian labor force", "value": "68,800", "context": "Down 6.4% year-over-year"}, {"label": "Michigan statewide unemployment", "value": "5.0%", "context": "0.8 pts above national rate of 4.2%"}], "takeaways": [{"headline": "Jackson's job growth outpaces the state by a wide margin.", "body": "The metro's 1.2% year-over-year payroll gain through August led all Michigan metro areas, while statewide employment fell 27,000 in September alone. That divergence positions Jackson as a relative bright spot for regional economic development messaging, though the gap raises the question of which sectors are absorbing the growth."}, {"headline": "A shrinking labor pool complicates the growth story.", "body": "Civilian labor force fell 6.4% year-over-year to 68,800 even as payrolls expanded, a pattern consistent with the statewide trend of declining labor force participation masking a tighter headline unemployment rate. Local wage data for manufacturing production and electrician roles \u2014 both up moderately-to-significantly this month \u2014 suggests early-stage supply constraints in trades-adjacent work."}, {"headline": "Manufacturing wage strength breaks from the statewide pattern.", "body": "Metro manufacturing production/assembler pay rose significantly and electrician pay climbed to a metro median above the national figure, even as Michigan's 10-year outlook projects manufacturing as the sector likely to shed the most jobs statewide. Local momentum in this sector appears to be running counter to the longer state trajectory, worth tracking for durability."}, {"headline": "White-collar pay softness mirrors a national services slowdown.", "body": "Financial analyst, data engineer, and business analyst advertised pay all declined significantly in the metro this month, tracking the national pattern of professional and business services losing jobs (-9,000 in September). That softness in office-based occupations contrasts with strength in frontline and skilled-trade pay, a split worth noting for any commercial real estate or downtown-office investment planning."}], "local_conditions": "Jackson metro unemployment fell to 4.6% in September, down half a point from a year earlier, while the county led all fifteen Michigan metro areas with 1.2% payroll job growth through August \u2014 a sharp divergence from the statewide pattern of payroll contraction and rising joblessness. That strength coexists with a civilian labor force that shrank 6.4% year-over-year to 68,800, suggesting the metro's tight unemployment rate reflects fewer people in the labor market as much as stronger job creation.", "implications": "Jackson's standing as Michigan's fastest-growing metro by payroll count signals a business climate attractive enough to outperform peer metros including Lansing and Kalamazoo, both of which posted labor force declines this year. That advantage narrows when weighed against a shrinking labor pool \u2014 expansion plans premised on local workforce availability should account for a labor force that has contracted even as job counts grew, a gap that typically shows up first in wage pressure for skilled trades and production roles. Local economic development and commerce leaders may want to evaluate whether current growth is being fueled by in-migration, commuting patterns, or productivity gains within a static workforce, since the answer shapes whether this momentum is durable or supply-constrained.", "looking_ahead": [{"category": "Worth watching", "body": "October MSA-level unemployment data from the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget should confirm whether Jackson's job-growth lead over other metros held or narrowed as statewide payroll contraction continued into the fourth quarter."}, {"category": "Structural question", "body": "Whether Jackson's labor force decline stabilizes or deepens will determine if the metro's job growth can continue at its current pace; a labor force that keeps shrinking faster than jobs grow typically shows up next as accelerating wage pressure in skilled trades."}, {"category": "Emerging pressure point", "body": "Michigan's 39 WARN notices in 2026 are down 33% from last year, but any new filings in manufacturing or retail \u2014 sectors concentrated in the state's notice activity \u2014 bear watching for whether displaced workers surface in Jackson's labor pool or bypass the metro entirely."}, {"category": "Policy signal", "body": "National wage growth continues to trail CPI (1.5% in median earnings against 3.5% inflation in Q3), a gap that affects household purchasing power and retail spending; local retail and food-service advertised pay gains this month may be a partial offset worth tracking against consumer spending data."}], "roles": [{"role": "Retail Sales Associate", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 23201.0, "metro_p50": 27798.0, "metro_p75": 30638.0, "metro_trend_direction": "stable", "metro_trend_magnitude": "stable", "national_p50": 33340.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Retail Cashier", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 23972.0, "metro_p50": 27435.2, "metro_p75": 29217.0, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 31268.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Warehouse/Fulfillment Associate", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 30296.0, "metro_p50": 37440.0, "metro_p75": 39520.0, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 38480.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "CDL Truck Driver", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 58070.0, "metro_p50": 80190.0, "metro_p75": 87500.0, "metro_trend_direction": "stable", "metro_trend_magnitude": "stable", "national_p50": 78872.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Delivery Driver", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 24478.0, "metro_p50": 29487.0, "metro_p75": 32712.5, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 34826.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Construction Laborer", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 34320.0, "metro_p50": 36086.4, "metro_p75": 43680.0, "metro_trend_direction": "down", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 40726.6, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "moderate"}, {"role": "Electrician", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 60958.5, "metro_p50": 80080.0, "metro_p75": 81994.0, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "significant", "national_p50": 71835.0, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "moderate"}, {"role": "Manufacturing Production Worker/Assembler", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 34969.5, "metro_p50": 38480.0, "metro_p75": 39520.0, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "significant", "national_p50": 39520.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Customer Service Representative", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 31580.0, "metro_p50": 36854.0, "metro_p75": 42025.0, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 39520.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Food Service Worker", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 27522.0, "metro_p50": 31200.0, "metro_p75": 31200.0, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "significant", "national_p50": 33764.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Certified Nursing Assistant / Home Health Aide", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 33693.0, "metro_p50": 35929.4, "metro_p75": 41600.0, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 41600.0, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "moderate"}, {"role": "Administrative Assistant/Office Clerk", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 34367.0, "metro_p50": 41600.0, "metro_p75": 46571.0, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 44552.0, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "moderate"}, {"role": "HVAC Technician", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 56004.0, "metro_p50": 63869.6, "metro_p75": 72000.0, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 71406.0, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "moderate"}, {"role": "Registered Nurse", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 84235.25, "metro_p50": 99035.2, "metro_p75": 104909.75, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 102252.0, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"role": "Software Engineer", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 105474.0, "metro_p50": 134564.0, "metro_p75": 141594.25, "metro_trend_direction": "down", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 154403.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Data Engineer", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 86135.0, "metro_p50": 95755.0, "metro_p75": 120703.75, "metro_trend_direction": "down", "metro_trend_magnitude": "significant", "national_p50": 138000.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Accountant", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 57500.0, "metro_p50": 62254.0, "metro_p75": 64431.0, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "significant", "national_p50": 72000.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Financial Analyst", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 56477.0, "metro_p50": 69014.0, "metro_p75": 78507.0, "metro_trend_direction": "down", "metro_trend_magnitude": "significant", "national_p50": 94646.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "HR Generalist/Manager", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 49357.25, "metro_p50": 70161.0, "metro_p75": 100595.25, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "significant", "national_p50": 74477.0, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"role": "Marketing Specialist", "data_scope": "state_rollup", "metro_p25": 43369.0, "metro_p50": 58020.0, "metro_p75": 69000.0, "metro_trend_direction": "stable", "metro_trend_magnitude": "stable", "national_p50": 62916.0, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "moderate"}, {"role": "Operations Manager", "data_scope": "state_rollup", "metro_p25": 60000.0, "metro_p50": 75349.0, "metro_p75": 92183.5, "metro_trend_direction": "down", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 86294.2, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Elementary/Secondary School Teacher", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 34320.0, "metro_p50": 49737.2, "metro_p75": 54641.0, "metro_trend_direction": "stable", "metro_trend_magnitude": "stable", "national_p50": 55908.0, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "moderate"}, {"role": "Account Manager", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 58875.0, "metro_p50": 80536.0, "metro_p75": 89644.0, "metro_trend_direction": "down", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 94009.4, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "moderate"}, {"role": "Warehouse Manager", "data_scope": "state_rollup", "metro_p25": 43753.0, "metro_p50": 65000.0, "metro_p75": 65000.0, "metro_trend_direction": "stable", "metro_trend_magnitude": "stable", "national_p50": 75000.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Business Analyst", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 67497.5, "metro_p50": 73466.8, "metro_p75": 75726.0, "metro_trend_direction": "down", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 98302.2, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}], "industry_snapshot": [{"sector": "Construction", "median_pay": 50960.0, "pay_trend_direction": "down", "pay_trend_magnitude": "significant", "postings_trend_direction": "down", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Manufacturing", "median_pay": 62502.0, "pay_trend_direction": "down", "pay_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "postings_trend_direction": "down", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Retail Trade", "median_pay": 32154.0, "pay_trend_direction": "stable", "pay_trend_magnitude": "stable", "postings_trend_direction": "down", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Transportation, Warehousing & Utilities", "median_pay": 59676.0, "pay_trend_direction": "down", "pay_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "postings_trend_direction": "down", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Information", "median_pay": 79957.0, "pay_trend_direction": "down", "pay_trend_magnitude": "significant", "postings_trend_direction": "down", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Financial Activities", "median_pay": 43232.0, "pay_trend_direction": "down", "pay_trend_magnitude": "significant", "postings_trend_direction": "down", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Professional & Business Services", "median_pay": 52000.0, "pay_trend_direction": "down", "pay_trend_magnitude": "significant", "postings_trend_direction": "down", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Education & Health Services", "median_pay": 55917.0, "pay_trend_direction": "up", "pay_trend_magnitude": "significant", "postings_trend_direction": "down", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Leisure & Hospitality", "median_pay": 31200.0, "pay_trend_direction": "stable", "pay_trend_magnitude": "stable", "postings_trend_direction": "down", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Government", "median_pay": 64516.0, "pay_trend_direction": "up", "pay_trend_magnitude": "significant", "postings_trend_direction": "down", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}], "citations": [{"source_name": "Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget", "source_url": null, "statement": "Jackson MSA unemployment rate fell to 4.6% in September 2026"}, {"source_name": "Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget", "source_url": null, "statement": "Jackson MSA led Michigan metros with 1.2% payroll growth through August 2026"}, {"source_name": "Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget / USA Facts", "source_url": null, "statement": "Jackson civilian labor force fell 6.4% year-over-year to 68,800"}, {"source_name": "Michigan Center for Data & Analytics", "source_url": null, "statement": "Michigan statewide unemployment at 5.0%, labor force declined 26,000 in September"}, {"source_name": "Michigan Center for Data & Analytics", "source_url": null, "statement": "Michigan's 10-year outlook projects manufacturing to shed the most jobs statewide"}, {"source_name": "Bureau of Labor Statistics", "source_url": null, "statement": "National median weekly earnings rose 1.5% vs 3.5% CPI gain in Q3 2026"}], "methodology": "Advertised pay from active employer job postings, not survey data. WageScape's median is calibrated to correct for spurious low-value postings: distribution analysis shows roughly the lowest 10% of raw values are erroneous entries, so the reported median is the 60th percentile of raw advertised pay.", "edition_label": "November 2026", "files": {"html": "jackson-mi-msa/metro-job-market/2026-10.html", "pdf": "jackson-mi-msa/metro-job-market/2026-10.pdf", "sources_html": "jackson-mi-msa/metro-job-market/2026-10.sources.html"}, "published_at": "2026-11-03T08:23:40.600195+00:00", "report_html_url": "https://reports.wagescape.com/archive/v1/editions/jackson-mi-msa/metro-job-market/2026-10.html", "report_pdf_url": "https://reports.wagescape.com/archive/v1/editions/jackson-mi-msa/metro-job-market/2026-10.pdf"}