Colorado workers have plenty to celebrate as the state's job market shows remarkable signs of recovery and growth. After more than a year of challenging employment conditions, the unemployment rate has finally dropped below the 4% mark, bringing hope and opportunity to thousands of families across the Centennial State.

The numbers tell an encouraging story. Between September and November, Colorado's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 3.9%, marking the first time it has dipped below 4% since February 2024. Even more heartening, 8,400 fewer Coloradans found themselves searching for work during this period, according to surveys conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau.

This turnaround is especially meaningful given the state's recent struggles. For 15 consecutive months beginning in 2024, unemployment rates either climbed or remained stuck in place, peaking at 4.8% in March 2025. But since June, the tide has steadily turned, with rates decreasing at a moderate but consistent pace.

The job creation story is equally uplifting. Colorado employers added 2,700 new nonfarm payroll jobs in November alone, pushing the state's total employment above 3 million jobs. Over the past year, the state has welcomed 24,600 new positions, with the private sector contributing 18,300 jobs and government adding another 6,300.

Transportation, warehousing, and utilities led the charge with approximately 1,600 new positions. Education and health services have been particularly strong performers over the year, adding an impressive 12,500 jobs. The leisure and hospitality sector, vital to Colorado's tourism economy, contributed 5,200 new positions, while the information sector added 3,200 jobs.

What makes Colorado's achievement even more noteworthy is the broader context. While the state's unemployment rate has been falling, the national rate moved in the opposite direction, climbing to 4.6% during the same period. Colorado's job growth rate of 0.8% over the past year now exceeds the national rate of 0.6%, positioning the state as a leader in economic recovery.

The Bright Side

While some sectors like professional and business services saw modest contractions, and the construction industry shed 2,400 jobs over the year, the overall trajectory points firmly upward. The diversity of growth across multiple sectors suggests a robust and resilient economy rather than one dependent on a single industry.

For the thousands of Coloradans who have found new employment opportunities, these statistics represent more than just numbers. They mean stable paychecks, the ability to plan for the future, and the dignity that comes with meaningful work. For businesses, the improving conditions signal growing consumer confidence and economic stability.

As Colorado heads deeper into 2026, the state's economic momentum offers genuine reason for optimism. The recovery demonstrates that patience and persistence pay off, and that even after challenging periods, brighter days lie ahead for hardworking communities across the state.