The San Diego Monthly Employment Report (February 2017 to March 2017) shows increases in the civilian labor force and employment, and no change in the unemployment rate.1
The California Employment Development Department (EDD) reported no change in San Diego’s unemployment rate from a revised 4.2 percent in February to 4.2 percent in March, remaining below the year-ago estimate of 4.9 percent.
The 4.2 percent unemployment rate falls below the highest March unemployment rate (11 percent in 2010) and falls below the lowest March unemployment rate experienced in the region over the last 10 years (4.3 percent in 2007).
Month-Over Job Changes2
Six sectors reported month-over job gains. Government recorded the largest gains, adding 1,600 jobs to the economy, with 1,300 coming from Local Government Education as employment picks up after seasonal breaks.3 Other industries that showed increases include Educational & Health Services (up 1,500), Leisure & Hospitality (up 1,300), Construction (up 1,000) and Other Services (up 900).
Four sectors reported month-over job losses. Professional & Business Services experienced the largest month-over employment loss with 1,100 jobs. Additionally, Trade, Transportation & Utilities lost 900 jobs and Manufacturing and Information lost 100 jobs each. Overall, employers in San Diego County have added 4,300 jobs in the past month.
Year-Over Job Changes
Between March 2016 and March 2017, eight sectors experience year-over gains. Government continues to experience the greatest year-over gain, adding 6,700 jobs to the region. Most of this growth continues to come from gains in Local Government, concentrated in local education.4 Other industries that showed large increases include Educational & Health Services (6,200 jobs), Construction (5,700 jobs), Professional & Business Services (4,000 jobs), Financial Activities (3,500 jobs) and Other Services (3,200 jobs).
Two sectors experienced year-over job losses: Leisure & Hospitality (down 200), followed by Manufacturing (down 100).
“Jobs continue to grow this past year in the region,” says Phil Blair, Executive Officer, Manpower Staffing/San Diego. “Overall, employers in San Diego County have added 29,600 jobs between March 2016 and 2017. Keep an eye on the hospitality and tourism industries, where we will see job growth in coming months.”
Summary
Most industry sectors in San Diego County experienced both month- and year-over job gains in March, with jobs in six sectors growing from February 2017 and eight growing since March 2016. San Diego employers have shown a net jobs gain of 4,300 jobs from February 2017 and 29,600 jobs since March 2016. Additionally, San Diego’s unemployment rate of 4.2 percent remains lower than the California rate of 5.1 percent.
1Labor force, employment and unemployment are reported by place of residence, including self-employed individuals, unpaid family workers, household domestic workers & workers on strike.
2Jobs data is gathered from employers through the Current Employment Statistics (CES) survey, administered monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The CES excludes self-employed individuals, unpaid family workers, household domestic workers & workers on strike.
3–4Employment Development Department (EDD)