Oregon unemployment rate holds steady at 5.0% amid modest job gains
Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) --- Oregon's unemployment rate held mostly steady at 5.0% in September, down slightly from 5.1% in August, according to data released by the Oregon Employment Department. Nonfarm payroll employment in the state grew by 5,800 jobs during the month.
Nationally, the U.S. unemployment rate stood at 4.2% in September, up from 4.1% in August.
The state's jobless rate has remained within a narrow band between 5.0% and 5.3% for 19 consecutive months, dating back to March 2025. September's job increase followed a revised gain of 2,600 nonfarm payroll jobs in August.
Over the past 12 months, total nonfarm payroll employment in Oregon rose by 2,600 jobs, representing a 0.1% increase.
Sector gains in September were led by construction, which added 2,000 jobs. Health care and social assistance gained 1,700 jobs, while leisure and hospitality expanded by 1,300 jobs. Retail trade experienced the largest drop during the month, cutting 1,500 jobs.
Over the past 12 months, health care and social assistance recorded the largest growth, adding 12,100 jobs, a 3.8% increase. Other services gained 1,600 jobs, or 2.4%, and private education expanded by 1,300 jobs, or 3.6%. Conversely, manufacturing reduced its workforce by 4,300 jobs, a 2.4% decline, while government employment dropped by 4,000 jobs, or 1.3%.
Construction employment drifted upward from April through August before increasing by 2,000 jobs in September. Over the past year, all three component industries in construction posted gains, with building construction adding 900 jobs, specialty trade contractors adding 500 jobs and heavy and civil engineering construction adding 100 jobs.
Several industries experienced recent rebounds over the past two months. Government employment added 1,300 jobs since July following earlier losses. Manufacturing added 1,700 jobs since July, partially offsetting steady losses over the past three years. September job gains in leisure and hospitality reversed losses recorded in June and July.
The Oregon Employment Department plans to release September unemployment and job data for counties and metropolitan areas on Tuesday, Oct. 20. Statewide unemployment and employment survey data for October is scheduled for release on Wednesday, Nov. 18.
