The San Diego Monthly Employment Report (July 2017 to August 2017) shows an increase in the civilian labor force, a decrease in employment and no change in the unemployment rate. 1
Unemployment
The California Employment Development Department (EDD) reported no change in San Diego’s unemployment rate from a revised 4.7 percent in July, remaining below the year-ago estimate of 4.9 percent.
The 4.7 percent unemployment rate falls below the highest August unemployment rate (10.9 percent in 2010) and below the lowest August unemployment rate experienced in the region over the last 10 years (4.8 percent in 2007).
Month-Over Job Changes2
Seven sectors reported month-over job gains. Construction recorded the largest gain, adding 1,200 jobs to the economy, with 900 coming from Specialty Trade Contractors. 3 This was closely followed by Trade, Transportation & Utilities and Professional & Business Services adding 1,100 jobs each.
Three sectors reported month-over job losses. Leisure & Hospitality reported the greatest loss with 1,100 jobs, followed by Government and Manufacturing losing 400 jobs each. Overall, employers in San Diego County gained 3,200 net jobs in the past month.
Year-Over Job Changes
Between August 2016 and August 2017, seven sectors experienced year-over gains. Educational & Health Services showed the largest year-over gains, adding 5,200 net jobs to the region. Most of this growth came from a 5,600 job increase in Health Care & Social Assistance. 4 Other Services increased by 5,000 jobs, followed by Government (up 4,900), Financial Activities (up 2,900), Construction (up 2,800), Leisure and Hospitality (up 500) and Professional & Business Services (up 100).
Two industries experienced year-over losses and one industry experienced no change (Information). Trade, Transportation & Utilities experienced the largest year-over loss, down 1,200 jobs, followed by Manufacturing (down 1,000). Overall, employers in San Diego County have added 19,200 net jobs in the past year.
“Leisure and Hospitality jobs peaked early this year–the past five years haven’t seen this seasonal job turnover until September,” says Phil Blair, Executive Officer of Manpower Staffing/San Diego, “I’m very excited to see growth in Construction and Professional jobs, which is significant for high-paying jobs in San Diego. The next sector to watch is Retail Trade. If the retail apocalypse is truly upon us, we may not see as many opportunities for seasonal workers in the coming months. Now is the time to invest in building new skills.”
Summary
Most industry sectors in San Diego County experienced both month- and year-over job gains in August, with jobs added to seven sectors from both July 2017 and August 2016. San Diego employers have shown a net gain of 3,200 jobs since July 2017 and 19,200 jobs since August 2016. Additionally, San Diego’s unemployment rate of 4.7 percent remains lower than the California rate of 5.4 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.
3Employment Development Department (EDD)
4Employment Development Department (EDD)