The San Diego Monthly Employment Report (January 2016 to February 2016) shows increases in the civilian labor force and employment while the unemployment rate remains unchanged.
The California Employment Development Department (EDD) reported no change in San Diego’s unemployment rate which remained at 4.7 percent in February, below the year-ago estimate of 5.5 percent.
The 4.7 percent unemployment rate falls below the highest February unemployment rate (10.8 percent in 2010) but remains higher than the lowest February unemployment rate (4.3 percent in 2007) experienced in the region over the last 10 years.
Leisure & Hospitality recorded the largest month-over gain of 3,500 jobs, with 83 percent of this growth coming from Accommodation & Food Services. Seven other industries also recorded employment gains including Government, Construction, and Educational & Health Services, each contributing approximately 2,000 jobs. Two industries recorded month-over job losses. Trade, Transportation & Utilities posted the greatest month-over decline of 4,000 jobs, primarily from Retail Trade, likely a result of cutbacks to seasonal workers following the holiday shopping season.
From February 2015 to February 2016, all industries except Other Services (Repair & Maintenance, Personal and Laundry Services, and Religious, Grants, Civic, Professional and Like Organizations) experienced job growth. Educational & Health Services recorded the greatest year-over gain, adding 8,500 jobs to the region. Eighty-five percent of this growth came primarily from Health Care & Social Assistance.
San Diego County experienced month-over gains in a majority of industries and has continued to post year-over employment gains. Despite month-over employment decreases in Professional & Business Services and Trade, Transportation & Utilities, both industries posted year-over job gains, indicating the region’s overall strength.