The San Diego Monthly Employment Report (March 2015 to April 2015) shows a decrease in the civilian unemployment rate and labor force, and an increase in civilian employment. Highlights from the report include:
- San Diego’s unemployment rate was 4.8 percent in April, down 0.3 percent from March and below the year-ago estimate of 6.1 percent
- Labor force decreased by 3,200
- Employment increased 1,700
- Unemployment decreased by 4,900
- Nonfarm jobs in the region increased by 4,900
- Three sectors had month-over employment gains of 1,600 each: Financial Activities, Leisure & Hospitality, and Professional & Business Services
- Construction had the largest month-over employment loss, with a decline of 700 jobs
- All industries grew in employment between April 2014 and April 2015, with Professional & Business Services having the largest increase of 11,900 jobs
The California Employment Development Department (EDD) reported a 0.3 percent decrease in San Diego’s unemployment rate, from 5.1 percent in March to 4.8 percent in April–the lowest it has been since 2007.
The 4.8 percent unemployment rate falls significantly below the highest April unemployment rate (10.3 percent in 2010) but remains higher than the lowest April unemployment rate (3.7 percent in 2006) experienced in the region over the last 10 years.
The industries with the largest month-over employment gains were Financial Activities, Leisure & Hospitality, and Professional & Business Services, each adding 1,600 jobs. Two industries recorded month-over job losses with Construction experiencing the largest decline at 700 jobs lost.
From April 2014 to April 2015, all industries experienced increased job growth. Professional & Business Services had the greatest year-over gain adding 11,900 jobs to the region, over two-thirds of which came from employment growth 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 April 2014 to April 2015 and just two sectors experiencing month-over job losses.