The San Diego Monthly Employment Report (November to December 2014) shows a decrease in the civilian unemployment rate, civilian labor force and civilian employment. Highlights from the report include:
- San Diego’s unemployment rate was 5.2 percent, down 0.6 percent from November 2014 and below the year-ago estimate of 6.5 percent
- Civilian labor force decreased by 16,100
- Civilian employment decreased by 4,700
- Total civilian unemployment decreased by 11,300
- 600 nonfarm jobs were added to the region
- The industry with the largest month-over employment loss was Leisure & Hospitality with a loss of 2,200 jobs
- The industry with the largest year-over employment gain was Professional & Business Services with an increase of 15,900 jobs
The California Employment Development Department (EDD) reported a decrease in San Diego’s unemployment rate from 5.8 percent in November 2014 to 5.2 percent in December 2014. This 0.6 percent decrease in the unemployment rate resulted from a decrease of 16,100 workers in the civilian labor force.
The industry with the largest month-over employment gains was Trade, Transportation & Utilities with 2,100 jobs added, primarily due to seasonal growth in retail trade. Four industries recorded month-over losses with the greatest coming from Leisure & Hospitality, which recorded 2,200 jobs lost.
From December 2013 to December 2014, most industries experienced an increase in jobs. Professional & Business Services had the most significant change with 15,900 jobs added in the past year, about 70 percent of which came from professional, scientific and technical services. Just one industry, Financial Activities, saw a decrease over the year (-300).
San Diego County experienced continuous job gains in a majority of industries from December 2013 to December 2014. Month-over job losses in four sectors still show year-over gains, indicating overall strength in the market.