San Diego County's unemployment rate fell to 4.4% in March, up from a revised 4.8% in February and above a year-ago estimate of 3.5%, according to numbers released Friday by the state Employment Development Department.
Last month's unemployment rate compares to California's unadjusted unemployment rate of 5.3% and the nation's 3.9% for the same period.
From February 2024 to March 2024, total nonfarm employment in San Diego County increased by 4,400 jobs, for a total of 1,557,200 jobs.
Government employee salaries rose by 2,000 in the month, the largest increase by sector. He also saw an increase in leisure and hospitality jobs by 1,500, of which 800 were in accommodation and food services.
The construction industry also saw a month-on-month increase, with the number of employees increasing by 1,300, the second largest monthly increase in the past year.
Professional and business services reported the largest monthly decline, with 1,200 jobs lost, according to EDD data.
Professional, scientific and technical services (down 1,400 jobs) accounted for the entire decline in the industrial sector, but this was offset by an increase in employment in business and business management (up 100 jobs).
Administration and Support, Waste Management and Remediation Services – 100 increase.
From March 2023 to March 2024, nonfarm jobs in San Diego County increased by 14,500 jobs, or 0.9%.
Private education and health services, San Diego County's third largest industrial employment sector, led the year-over-year growth, adding 15,500 jobs. Private education and health services have reported employment increases in 10 of the past 12 months.
Government salaries also increased, adding 6,200 jobs. Most of the increase was due to employment growth in local government, which totaled 3,800 people. Leisure and hospitality also added 5,300 jobs.
