The San Diego Monthly Employment Report (February 2015 to March 2015) shows a decrease in the civilian unemployment rate and an increase in the civilian labor force and civilian employment. Highlights from the report include:
- San Diego’s unemployment rate was 5.1 percent in March, down 0.2 percent from February and below the year-ago estimate of 7.1 percent
- Labor force increased by 300
- Employment increased by 4,300
- Unemployment decreased by 4,000
- Nonfarm jobs in the region increased by 8,000
- Government had the largest month-over employment gains, with an increase of 2,000 jobs
- Trade, Transportation and Utilities had the largest month-over employment loss, with a decline of 1,400 jobs
- All industries grew in employment between March 2014 and March 2015, with Professional & Business Services having the largest increase of 9,900 jobs
The California Employment Development Department (EDD) reported a 0.2 percent decrease in San Diego’s unemployment rate, from 5.3 percent in February to 5.1 percent in March.
The 5.1 percent unemployment rate falls below the highest March unemployment rate (10.9 percent in 2010) but remains higher than the lowest March unemployment rate (4.0 percent in 2006) experienced in the region over the last 10 years.
The industry with the largest month-over employment gain was Government with 2,000 jobs added. Seasonal advances in local government education contributed approximately 80 percent of the sector’s job growth, while state government added 500 jobs. All industries recorded month-over job gains with the exception of Trade, Transportation and Utilities, which recorded 1,400 jobs lost, primarily from wholesale trade and retail trade.
From March 2014 to March 2015, all industries experienced job growth. Professional & Business Services had the greatest year-over gain adding 9,900 jobs to the region, over 90 percent of which came from employment in professional, scientific & technical services.
San Diego County continues to show signs of improvement in its economy with job gains reported across all industries from March 2014 to March 2015 and just one sector experiencing month-over job losses.