The San Diego Monthly Employment Report (July 2015 to August 2015) finds decreases in the civilian unemployment rate as well as the labor force.
Highlights from the report include:
- San Diego’s unemployment rate was 5.1 percent in August, down 0.3 percent from July and below the year-ago estimate of 6.6 percent
- Labor force decreased by 4,400
- Employment decreased by 600
- Unemployment decreased by 3,900
- Five sectors had month-over employment gains with Educational & Health Services reporting the largest gain of 1,800 jobs
- Leisure & Hospitality posted the largest month-over employment loss, with a decline of 1,400 jobs
- All industries, with the exception of Other Services and Mining & Logging, grew in employment between July 2014 and August 2015, with Professional & Business Services having the largest increase of 11,500 jobs
The California Employment Development Department (EDD) reported a 0.3 percent decrease in San Diego’s unemployment rate, from 5.4 percent in July to 5.1 percent in August. The 5.1 percent unemployment rate falls below the highest August unemployment rate (10.9 percent in 2010) but remains higher than the lowest August unemployment rate (4.1 percent in 2006) experienced in the region over the last 10 years.
The industries with the largest month-over employment gains were Educational & Health Services (up 1,800 jobs) and Trade, Transportation & Utilities (up 1,500 jobs). Five industries recorded month-over job losses, with Leisure & Hospitality experiencing the largest decline at 1,400 jobs lost, all in Accomodation & Food Services.
Between August 2014 and August 2015, all industries experienced increased job growth, except for Other Services and Mining & Logging. Professional & Business Services had the greatest year-over gain, adding 11,500 jobs to the region with 80 percent of the industry’s job growth coming from Professional, Scientific & Technical Services. Educational & Health Services added 8,000 jobs with almost 90 percent of the gain coming from Health Care & Social Assistance.
Despite month-over job losses in five industries, the majority of San Diego’s industries continue to experience year-over job gains from August 2014 to August 2015 — an encouraging indication of the region’s strong industries and talent.