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Jobs & Unemployment
Kansans looking for work or to explore new career opportunities can take advantage of workforce services, tools and support to connect job seekers and employers.
Kansas has a strong and skilled workforce that is ready to contribute to the success of Kansas businesses. With a labor force of over 1.5 million and one of the top-ten lowest unemployment rates in the nation*, come see why companies like Textron Aviation, Dillons Food Stores and AMC Theatres call Kansas “home.”
*data current as of Apr 2020
Oversight and Regulation
There are several state entities, as well as non-profit organizations, that provide significant oversight, regulations or support for career-related needs:
Each entity owns a unique piece of the puzzle and manages different aspects of licensure, compliance, regulation, planning and oversight for their areas of specialization.
Employment Resources
Kansas offers a number of services to job seekers:
- Civilian labor force of over 1.5M
- Over 70,000 KANSASWORKS job postings
- Veterans' Preference in hiring
- Job and Career Counseling
- Technical Education Training
- 27 Workforce Centers
- 2 Mobile Workforce Centers
Connecting Kansans with quality employment is a common service provided to job seekers. There are over 70,000 job opportunities on KANSASWORKS.com throughout the state. Visit the Job Seeker Resources Page to be connected with:
- Career Planning
- Interview Tools
- Resume Writing Tips
- Labor Market Information
KANSASWORKS is a free resource for job seekers and employers. With 27 Workforce Centers around the state, two Mobile Workforce Centers and a number of online services, KANSASWORKS is available to answer any additional questions and provide additional resources. In addition, KANSASWORKS offers a unique, targeted career support to America’s veterans through KanVet, a program that provides direct access to State of Kansas veteran-specific resources and benefits without navigating multiple state agency websites. Services include:
• Employment Resources
• Education Resources
• Health Resources
• Veteran & Family Assistance
• Mental Health Support
KanVet is a service that is offered at no-charge. It provides direct access to State of Kansas veteran-specific resources, benefits without having to navigate multiple state agency websites and has links to helpful forms that veterans often need during their job searches, such as the DD-214. You can quickly and easily search postings and apply for jobs. Be sure and take advantage of the services they offer such as:
- Information on Veterans’ Preference in Hiring
- Employment Programs
- Local Veteran Employment Representatives
For those who are interested in working for the State of Kansas, the State of Kansas Employment Center and Careers Portal can help you find meaningful work in public service. You can quickly and easily search postings and apply for jobs. Be sure and take advantage of convenient features such as:
- View jobs posted in the last 7 days
- Create job notification alerts
- Keep track of your favorite job postings
- Filter and save frequent searches
Unemployment Benefits
Getting access to unemployment benefits is critical for people who are looking for work. The Kansas Department of Labor allows Kansans to apply for their unemployment benefits online.
We understand that sometimes it’s not always easy out there. While everyone hopes to find their dream job, there are certain times and circumstances where things don’t go as planned. In those cases, it’s important to know where you can turn for help. In addition to federal protections offered, such as your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EEOC), Kansas has enacted workplace laws that are meant to protect both job seekers and those who are currently employed.
Employment Complaints
Wage Claims
Child Labor Laws
Employment Complaints
Kansas law prohibits unlawful discrimination in areas of employment, housing, or public accommodations. If you feel you have been discriminated against because of your race, religion, color, sex, disability, ancestry, national origin, age [in the area of employment only], familial status [in the area of housing only], or retaliation, you may file a complaint with the Kansas Human Rights Commission. If you think you may have a valid case, you can start by filling out the KHRC’s online questionnaire.
Wage Claims
If your employer has not paid your wages or benefits owed, file the Wage Claim form with the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) for wages under the provisions of the Kansas Wage Payment Law, K.S.S 44-313 et. seq. The law provides that the Office of Administrative Hearings shall conduct a hearing and decide issues raised by the claim.
Child Labor Laws
Kansas statute defines the conditions under which children are legally allowed to work. If you think that an employer is in violation of the Child Labor Laws, you can contact the Office of Employment Standards at (785) 296-5000 ext. 1068 or KDOL.EmploymentStandards@ks.gov. This office will then conduct an investigation of the complaint or we will refer it to the Federal Wage and Hour Office for action.
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