The January issue of the Alaska Economic Trends magazine, published by the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, shows modest job growth for the state, with industries such as mining, oil, gas, and healthcare seeing increased employment. This month’s issue of Trends also contains a letter from Commissioner Catherine Muñoz highlighting policy efforts for the second regular session of the 34th Alaska State Legislature, beginning Jan 20, 2026.
Statewide Jobs Forecast
According to the “Statewide jobs forecast for 2026,” written by economist Karinne Wiebold, Alaska will add approximately 3,000 jobs statewide this year. Jobs will be primarily in oil and gas, healthcare, construction, and transportation.
The Pikka oil field moves into production this year, pushing jobs back up to pre-pandemic levels. The Willow oil field is under development, contributing to jobs in construction and transportation for the next couple of years.
Healthcare is predicted to drive approximately a third of Alaska’s job growth in 2026. According to Wiebold, “Alaska is still developing its medical infrastructure, and nearly all areas outside the population centers are federally designated health workforce shortage areas. The rising needs of our aging population are also driving health care growth.”
Construction and transportation jobs will increase to support projects such as the Nome deepwater port, Denali Park projects, the Pretty Rocks landslide reconstruction, Chena flood area’s Moose Creek Dam, Coast Guard housing and infrastructure improvements, and Western Alaska rebuilding.
Policy and Advocacy Efforts
Commissioner Catherine Muñoz highlights “workforce advancements to watch as we head into 2026.” The Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s 2026 actionable priorities include:
- Updating the 2018 work plan to prepare Alaska for the LNG gas line project
- Utilizing additional financial resources provided by Dunleavy’s FY 27 budget to further career training for Alaskans
- Hosting the Employment First Conference in FY 27 to support Alaskans with disabilities and Alaskan business owners
- Advancing legislation to support voluntary, flexible work hour plans
- Advancing legislation to remove barriers to youth employment
- Creating a state apprenticeship agency
- Implementing a Multistate Nurse Licensure Compact to allow qualified nurses from the Lower 48 to practice nursing in Alaska