Career & Workplace
California Storms Slow Jobs Growth in Key Sectors
Unemployment Rate Remains Near A Historic Low But Still Higher Than Nation
California’s labor market grew slowly in March, with total nonfarm employment in the state expanding by just 8,700 positions, according to an analysis released today by Beacon Economics.
Recent extreme weather and flooding likely played a role in the slowdown as major storms hit California during the survey week and impacted sectors including Construction and Real Estate. February’s gains were also revised down to 21,800 in the latest numbers, a 10,500 decrease from the preliminary estimate of 32,300.
“Given the adverse weather last month, it’s difficult to get a true read on how California’s labor market actually performed,” said Taner Osman, Research Manager at Beacon Economics. “Interestingly, while labor markets in inland communities had been outperforming coastal communities since the start of the pandemic, we are now starting to see these differences level out, with stronger job growth in some coastal communities.”
Statewide, as of February 2023, there were 295,200 more people employed in California compared to February 2020, the pre-pandemic peak. Total nonfarm employment in the state grew 1.7% over this time, compared to a 2.1% increase in the United States as a whole. Annually, California payrolls increased by 2.5% from March 2022 to March 2023, trailing the 2.7% national increase over the same period.
California’s unemployment rate held steady at 4.4% in March 2023. While this is near historic lows, the state’s unemployment rate remains elevated relative to the United States overall (3.5%). California continues to struggle with its labor supply, which grew by 32,700 in March, an increase of 0.2% on a month-over-month basis. Since February 2020, the state’s labor force has fallen by 229,600 workers, a 1.2% decline.
Industry Profile
- At the industry level, job gains were mixed as extreme weather impacted several of California’s job sectors. Health Care led the gains in March, with payrolls expanding by 7,400, an increase of 0.3% on a month-over-month basis. Health Care jobs are now up 4.8% on a year-over-year basis.
- Other sectors posting strong gains during the month were Government (6,900 or 0.3%), Information (5,400 or 0.9%), Leisure and Hospitality (4,900 or 0.2%), and Transportation, Warehousing, and Utilities (4,300 or 0.5%).
- Payrolls decreased in a handful of sectors in March. Due to the major storms that hit the state, Construction posted the largest declines, with payrolls falling by 8,200 during the month, a 0.9% decline on a month-over-month basis.
- Other sectors with significant job losses included Administrative Support (-5,000 or -0.4%), Real Estate (-2,400 or -0.8%), Finance and Insurance (-1,300 or -0.2%), and Other Services (-1,200 or -0.2%).
Regional Profile
- Regionally, job gains were led by Southern California. Los Angeles (MD) saw the largest increase, where payrolls grew by 14,800 (0.3%) during the month. San Diego (3,100 or 0.2%), Ventura (1,200 or 0.4%), and El Centro (300 or 0.5%) also saw their payrolls jump. In contrast, Orange County (-2,400 or -0.1%) and the Inland Empire (-2,300 or -0.1%) experienced payrolls drop in March. Over the past year, El Centro (3.6%) enjoyed the fastest job growth in the region, followed by San Diego (3.2%), Orange County (2.8%), Los Angeles (MD) (2.5%), Ventura (1.9%), and the Inland Empire (0.7%).
- In the Bay Area, San Jose experienced the largest increase, with payrolls expanding by 2,200 (0.2%) positions in March. Santa Rosa (300 or 0.1%) and Napa (100 or 0.1%) also saw payrolls expand. In contrast, the East Bay (-6,400 or -0.5%), San Francisco (MD) (-1,400 or -0.1%), and San Rafael (MD) (-400 or -0.4%) all had payrolls drop in March. Over the past 12 months, Napa (4.5%) has experienced the fastest job growth in the region, followed by San Jose (3.5%), San Francisco (MD) (3.2%), Santa Rosa (2.9%), Vallejo (1.3%), the East Bay (1.0%), and San Rafael (MD) (0.4%).
- In the Central Valley, Bakersfield experienced the largest monthly increase in March as payrolls expanded by 400 (0.1%) positions. Payrolls in Sacramento (200) and Fresno (100) increased as well. In contrast, Yuba (-400 or -0.8%), Merced (-300 or -0.4%), Redding (-200 or -0.3%), Madera (-200 or -0.5%), Visalia (-100 or -0.1%), and Modesto (-100 or -0.1%) all saw declines. Over the past year, Hanford (3.6%) has enjoyed the fastest growth, followed by Fresno (3.4%), Visalia (2.8%), Yuba (2.6%), Stockton (2.4%), Redding (2.3%), Madera (2.1%), Modesto (2.1%) and Sacramento (2.0%).
- On California’s Central Coast, Salinas (800 or 0.5%) and Santa Barbara (800 or 0.4%) added the largest number of jobs. San Luis Obispo (500 or 0.4%) and Santa Cruz (100 or 0.1%) also saw payrolls increase. From March 2022 to March 2023, San Luis Obispo (3.7%) has added jobs at the fastest rate, followed by Santa Cruz (3.5%), Salinas (3.3%), and Santa Barbara (2.0%).
Career & Workplace
Inland Empire Unemployment Ticks Up to 5.1% in July
Job Market Dynamics Shift as Healthcare, Construction, and Business Services See Growth While Manufacturing Jobs Decline
- Data shows more people are entering the job market in Riverside and San Bernardino counties
- Private employers added a total of 5,400 jobs in July led by Healthcare and Social Assistance, Professional and Business Services, and Construction
- Manufacturing lost another 300 jobs in July, down a total of 2,700 (2.7%) from a year ago
According to the Inland Empire / Desert Region Center of Excellence for Labor Market Information, Inland Economic Growth and Opportunity (IEGO) July’s 5.1% seasonally adjusted unemployment rate represents a 0.4% point increase from June’s reading, the highest since March. This data is in comparison to California’s unemployment rate which held steady at 5.2%.
Private employers added a total of 5,400 jobs in July led by Healthcare and Social Assistance (+2,400 jobs), Professional and Business Services (+1,900 jobs) and Construction (+1,200 jobs), but increases were offset by a loss of 18,000 government jobs, almost all in local government educational services as schools went on summer break.
“Despite the slight uptick in unemployment, the Inland Empire continues to show resilience with strong job growth in key sectors such as Healthcare, Professional Services, and Construction. As more people join the workforce, our region remains poised for future opportunities, driven by the dynamic industries that are shaping our economy,” said Mathew Mena, Executive Director, IEGO
The data also showed more people are entering the job market in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. There were 2.179 million people working or looking for work in the Inland Empire in July, up 15,000 from a year ago.
Manufacturing Declines
Manufacturing lost another 300 jobs in July, down a total of 2,700 (2.7%) from a year ago. Inland Empire manufacturing firms do not appear to be picking up their hiring anytime soon. IEGO analysis of local job posting data showed manufacturing business posted 9% fewer jobs in July compared to June, the only major industry in the region with fewer postings month over month.
“We think of job posting data as a leading indicator for future employment trends. It’s good to see most industries increasing their activity on public job boards month over month. Hopefully, those companies find the talent they need, make offers, and onboard new workers in August so we see growth in next month’s numbers,” said Shannon Moran, Director, Inland Empire / Desert Region Center of Excellence for Labor Market Information, IEGO
Federal Reserve Impact
July also saw annual inflation dip below 3% for the first time since 2021, a positive sign that the end of the inflation fight is in sight. This is the latest in a string of good news that a “soft landing” – taming inflation without significantly hurting the economy – remains on the table. The Fed is expected to cut interest rates for the first time at its September meeting after 11 rate hikes since 2022 on this good news. Lower interest rates mean lower borrowing costs for Inland Empire businesses and families, which should have a positive effect on local job growth.
To learn more about this data or IEGO’s Labor Market Research, go to https://iegocollab.com/data/
Career & Workplace
California Employment Expansion Continues But Still Trails Nation
Unemployment Rate Unchanged From Last Month But Remains Highest In U.S.
California’s labor market expansion hit its 50th month in the latest numbers, with total nonfarm employment in the state growing by a seasonally adjusted 22,500 positions in June, according an analysis released today by Beacon Economics. May’s gains were revised to 43,300 in the latest numbers, a 400 decrease from the preliminary estimate of 43,700.
Employment growth in California has trailed the nation in recent years. Since February 2020 (the start of the pandemic), total nonfarm employment in the state has grown 2.1% compared to a 4.2% increase nationally. California increased payrolls by 1.3% from June 2023 to June 2024, trailing the 1.7% increase nationally over the same period.
The state’s unemployment rate held steady at 5.2% in June, unchanged from the previous month, but remains the highest in the nation. California’s unemployment rate has jumped over the last year, and the newly unemployed are almost entirely younger worker (under age 35). Oddly, initial claims for unemployment insurance have remained stable over this period. Beacon Economics has connected the surge in youth unemployment to the state’s minimum wage hikes. An analysis of that phenomenon can be seen here.
California continues to struggle with its labor supply, although its workforce grew by 7,200 in June. Since February 2020, the state’s labor force has declined by -246,200 workers, a -1.3% drop. This is being driven largely by the housing shortage and the retirement of aging workers. In addition, the household survey has diverged from the payroll survey in recent years. In addition, the household survey has diverged from the payroll survey in recent years. Total nonfarm employment is up 2.2% over the last two years, according to the payroll survey, while in the household survey, household employment is down 0.3% over the same period.
“Notably, these two surveys are the basis of the monthly jobs estimates and their divergence could get worse next year when the survey sample is cut as a cost saving measure,” said Justin Niakamal, Regional Research Manager at Beacon Economics.
Industry Profile
- The Health Care sector led growth over the last year, with payrolls expanding by 141,700 or 5.3%. Other sectors posting strong gains over the last year were Government (60,200 or 2.3%), Leisure and Hospitality (32,100 or 1.6%), Education (14,900 or 3.7%), Other Services (14,500 or 2.5%), and Construction (11,900 or 1.3%).
- Information has led declines over the past year, with payrolls falling by 29,000, a -5.2% decrease. Other sectors with notable annual declines include Manufacturing (-25,900 or -1.9%), Finance and Insurance (-8,500 or -1.7%), and Management (-2,800 or -1.2%).
- At the industry level, growth was broad based during June. Health Care led gains during the month, with payrolls expanding by 6,500, an increase of 0.2% on a month-over-month basis. In addition, payrolls in Health Care are 14.2% above their pre-pandemic peak, the fastest growth among the state’s major industries.
- Other sectors posting strong gains during the month were Government (5,200 or 0.2%), Professional, Scientific, and Technical (4,700 or 0.3%), Wholesale Trade (4,200 or 0.6%), Information (4,000 or 0.8%), Transportation, Warehousing, and Utilities (3,800 or 0.5%), Retail Trade (1,800 or 0.1%), Leisure and Hospitality (1,500 or 0.1%), Finance and Insurance (1,300 or 0.3%), and Real Estate (900 or 0.3%).
- Payrolls decreased a handful of sectors in June. Education saw the largest decline with payrolls falling by -3,300, a contraction of -0.8% on a month-over-month basis. However, payrolls are still up 3.7% over the last year and have grown 6.0% since the start of the pandemic.
- Other sectors posting significant declines during the month were Manufacturing (-2,900 or -0.2%), Administrative Support (-2,900 or -0.3%), Other Services (-1,300 or -0.2%), Construction (-500 or -0.1%), and Management (-400 or -0.2%).
Regional Profile
- Regionally, job gains were led by Southern California. Los Angeles (MD) saw the largest increase, where payrolls grew by 13,400 (0.3%) during the month. The Inland Empire (4,800 or 0.3%), Orange County (4,800 or 0.3%), San Diego (2,000 or 0.1%), Ventura (700 or 0.2%), and El Centro (300 or 0.5%) also saw their payrolls jump during the month. Over the past year, El Centro (2.4%) has enjoyed the fastest job growth in the region, followed by the Inland Empire (1.9%), Ventura (1.4%), Orange County (1.2%), Los Angeles (MD) (1.1%), and San Diego (0.7%).
- In the Bay Area, the East Bay experienced the largest increase, with payrolls expanding by 1,800 (0.2%) positions in June. San Rafael (MD) (700 or 0.6%), Santa Rosa (700 or 0.3%), Vallejo (300 or 0.2%), and Napa (100 or 0.1%) also saw payrolls increase during the month. On the other hand, payrolls decreased in San Jose (-1,200 or -0.1%) during the month. Over the past 12 months, Vallejo (2.3%) has seen the fastest job growth in the region, followed by Santa Rosa (2.0%), Napa (2.0%), San Rafael (MD) (1.5%), the East Bay (1.1%), San Jose (0.4%), and San Francisco (MD) (-0.3%).
- In the Central Valley, Sacramento experienced the largest monthly increase as payrolls expanded by 2,100 (0.2%) positions in June. Payrolls in Fresno (900 or 0.2%), Bakersfield (800 or 0.3%), Merced (400 or 0.5%), Modesto (200 or 0.1%), Visalia (200 or 0.1%), and Yuba (100 or 0.2%) increased as well. Over the past year, Madera (4.7%) has had the fastest growth, followed by Yuba (4.2%), Merced (3.5%), Modesto (3.1%), Stockton (2.6%), Fresno (2.4%), Sacramento (2.3%), Hanford (2.1%), Visalia (1.7%), Redding (1.4%), Chico (1.2%), and Bakersfield (0.7%).
- On California’s Central Coast, Salinas (200 or 01%) added the largest number of jobs during the month. San Luis Obispo (100 or 0.1%) and Santa Barbara (100 or 0.1%) also saw payrolls increase. From June 2023 to June 2024, Santa Cruz (1.7%) has added jobs at the fastest rate, followed by Salinas (1.4%), San Luis Obispo (0.3%), and Santa Barbara (0.2%).
Career & Workplace
California Continues to Struggle with Labor Supply as Employment Expands Modestly
State’s Unemployment Rate Remains Highest In Nation
California’s labor market expanded modestly in April, with total nonfarm employment in the state growing by 5,200 positions over the month, according to an analysis released today by Beacon Economics. March’s gains were revised down to 18,200 in the latest numbers, a 10,100 decline from the preliminary estimate of 28,300.
As of April 2024, California has recovered all of the jobs that were lost in March and April 2020, and there are now 314,300 more people employed in the state compared to February 2020. Total nonfarm employment has grown 1.8% over this time compared to a 3.9% increase in the United States overall. California increased payrolls by 1.2% from April 2023 to April 2024, trailing the 1.8% increase nationally over the same period.
The state’s unemployment rate held steady at 5.3% in April 2024, unchanged from the previous month. California’s unemployment rate is the highest in the nation and remains elevated relative to the 3.9% rate in the United States as a whole. The state continues to struggle with its labor supply, which remained essentially unchanged in April (declining by a negligible 100). Since February 2020, California’s labor force has fallen by -246,200 workers, a -1.3% decline. In comparison, over the past twelve months the nation’s labor force has increased by 0.8%.
Industry Profile
- At the industry level, job gains were mixed in April. Health Care led the way with payrolls expanding by 10,100, an increase of 0.4% on a month-over-month basis. With these gains Health Care payrolls are now 13.6% above their pre-pandemic peak.
- Other sectors posting strong gains during the month were Transportation, Warehousing, and Utilities (3,700 or 0.4%), Leisure and Hospitality (3,100 or 0.2%), Government (2,600 or 0.1%), Education (1,800 or 0.4%), Retail Trade (1,000 or 0.1%), and Wholesale Trade (400 or 0.1%).
- Payrolls decreased a handful of sectors in April. Construction experienced the largest declines, with payrolls falling by -6,000, a contraction of -0.6% on a month-over-month basis. Note that this decline was largely due to late season storms affecting construction projects across the state.
- Other sectors posting significant declines during the month were Manufacturing (-5,300 or -0.4%), Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (-3,600 or -0.3%), Real Estate (-700 or -0.2%), Finance and Insurance (-700 or -0.1%), Administrative Support (-600 or -0.1%), and Information (-600 or -0.1%).
Regional Profile
- Regionally, job gains were led by Southern California. Los Angeles (MD) saw the largest increase, where payrolls grew by 5,700 (0.2%) during the month. The Inland Empire (2,600 or 0.2%) and San Diego (1,200 or 0.1%) also saw their payrolls jump during the month. However, payrolls fell in Orange County (-2,700 or -0.2%), Ventura (-500 or -0.2%), and El Centro (-2,200 or -0.3%). Over the past year, El Centro (1.9%) has had the fastest job growth in the region, followed by the Inland Empire (1.5%), Ventura (1.4%), Orange County (1.1%), San Diego (0.8%), and Los Angeles (MD) (0.6%).
- In the Bay Area, the East Bay experienced the largest increase, with payrolls expanding by 2,600 (0.2%) positions in April. San Rafael (MD) (200 or 0.2%) and Napa (100 or 0.1%) also saw payrolls increase during the month. However, San Francisco (MD) (-1,700 or -0.1%), Santa Rosa (-600 or -0.3%), and Vallejo (-600 or -0.2%) experienced payroll declines during the month. Over the past 12 months, Vallejo (3.0%) enjoyed the fastest job growth in the region, followed by Santa Rosa (2.3%), Napa (2.2%), San Rafael (MD) (1.6%), the East Bay (0.9%), San Jose (0.2%), and San Francisco (MD) (-0.8%).
- In the Central Valley, Sacramento experienced the largest monthly increase as payrolls expanded by 900 (0.1%) positions in April. Payrolls in Yuba (400 or 0.8%), Bakersfield (300 or 0.1%), Fresno (300 or 0.1%), and Visalia (100 or 0.1%) increased as well. However, payrolls fell in Stockton (-500 or -0.2%), Modesto (-200 or -0.1%), Merced (-200 or -0.3%), Redding (-100 or -0.1%), and Hanford (-100 or -0.2%). Over the past year, Madera (5.7%) had the fastest growth, followed by Yuba (4.2%), Merced (3.7%), Modesto (3.6%), Sacramento (2.5%), Hanford (2.4%), Redding (2.3%), Fresno (2.2%), Visalia (2.1%), Stockton (2.0%), Chico (1.5%), and Bakersfield (1.1%).
- On California’s Central Coast, Salinas (200 or 0.1%) and Santa Cruz (200 or 0.2%) added the largest number of jobs during the month. Santa Barbara (-100 or -0.1%) saw payrolls decline. From April 2023 to April 2024, Salinas (1.9%) has added jobs at the fastest rate, followed by Santa Cruz (1.6%), Santa Barbara (0.8%), and San Luis Obispo (0.5%).
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