[Please note: Email graphic sent on June 17 incorrectly lists Manufacturing as the sector with the largest decline in jobs; it should say “Construction” — correct graphic appears below.]
The San Diego Monthly Employment Report (April 2016 to May 2016) shows decreases in the civilian unemployment rate, labor force and employment.
The California Employment Development Department (EDD) reported a decrease in San Diego’s unemployment rate from 4.5 percent in April to 4.2 percent in May, and below the year-ago estimate of 5.0 percent.
The 4.2 percent unemployment rate falls below the highest May unemployment rate (10.2 percent in 2010) but remains higher than the lowest May unemployment rate (3.6 percent in 2006) experienced in the region over the last 10 years. Decreases in the number of people actively looking for work, as well as a greater number of nonfarm jobs added to the region compared to jobs eliminated, helped contribute to the lower unemployment rate.
Following last month’s seasonal trend, Leisure & Hospitality recorded the largest month-over gain of 2,200 jobs. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation, and Accommodation & Food Services each accounted for half of the sector’s job growth (up 1,100 each). Five other sectors also recorded employment gains, including Professional & Business Services which added 1,900 jobs, primarily from Employment Services (up 1,000).
Four sectors reported month-over job losses, with Construction experiencing the largest employment decline of 800 jobs.
From May 2015 to May 2016, all but one sector experienced job growth. Educational & Health Services continued to experience the greatest year-over gain, adding 7,600 jobs to the region. Over 90 percent of this growth came from Health Care & Social Assistance (up 7,000), which includes Ambulatory Health Care Services, Hospitals, and Nursing & Residential Care Facilities. Professional & Business Services contributed 6,500 jobs, primarily from Administrative & Support Services, while Government contributed 5,700 jobs. Information was the only sector to experience a year-over decline (down 200 jobs).
San Diego County experienced month-over gains in a majority of sectors. Of the four sectors that experienced job declines, all but one has seen year-over employment gains. Additionally, San Diego’s unemployment rate continues to remain lower than the national rate of 4.5 percent.