January 2026 Newsletter

Kansas Labor Information Center

Monthly Newsletter | January 2026

December 2025 Labor Report

View Full Report

*Data is preliminary.

Data is seasonally adjusted.

Census Data Release

The U.S. Census Bureau will release the 2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year data products on January 29, 2026.

Unfamiliar with the many ways you can obtain statistics from the American Community Survey (ACS)? Learn more about the tools available to help you access current social, economic, housing, and demographic statistics for the nation's communities.

How Do I Know When to Use 1-Year or 5-Year American Community Survey Data?

1-Year Estimates	5-Year Estimates
12 months of collected data Example: 2024 ACS 1-year estimates Date collected between: January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024	60 months of collected data Example: 2020-2024 ACS 5-year estimates Date collected between: January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2024
Data for areas with populations of 65,000+	Data for all areas
Smallest sample size	Largest sample size
Less reliable than 5-year	Most reliable
Most current data	Least current data
Best used when	Best used when
Currency is more important than precision Analyzing large populations	Precision is more important than currency Analyzing very small populations Examining tracts and other smaller geographies because 1-year estimates are not available

In February, we will be updating two of our LMI dashboards which utilize ACS 5-year estimates. Not familiar with these great LMI resources? Click the links below to check them out now!

National Pharmacists Day

National Pharmacists Day is all about recognizing the trusted professionals who keep our communities healthy. Pharmacists work hard every day to make sure patients get the right medications, answer important questions, and offer care you can count on. It’s a great reminder to appreciate the people behind the counter and the vital role they play in our everyday well-being.

Kansas Pharmacy Occupations

Occupation

Employment

10th Percentile Wage

Median

Annual Wage

90th Percentile Wage

Pharmacists

3,560

$53,730

$134,350

$170,670

Pharmacy Technicians

4,370

$32,360

$39,210

$51,390

Source: Labor Market Information Division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics; Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)

ICYMI: December Newsletter

Have a question or data request? Email us at KDOL.Laborstats@ks.gov.

Note:If you're interested in receiving a monthly newsletter for T.O.T.O. (Today's Occupations, Tomorrow's Opportunities), click here to sign up!