Oregon’s jobless rate held steady at 5.2% in November, state says in report delayed by shutdown
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) - Oregon's unemployment rate held steady at 5.2% in November, the Oregon Employment Department said Wednesday, releasing the report after a significant delay due to the federal government shutdown.
The agency said the October unemployment rate is not available, since underlying data was not collected due to the federal government shutdown that month. Oregon's November jobless rate was higher than the U.S. rate of 4.6%.
Here's the rest of the monthly report:
In November, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment rose by 1,600 jobs, following a loss of 2,000 jobs in October. November’s gains were largest in leisure and hospitality (+2,100 jobs) and health care and social assistance (+1,000 jobs). Losses were largest in government (-800 jobs) and information (-600 jobs).
Leisure and hospitality experienced an uptick in hiring recently, adding 3,900 jobs between July and November, following a stagnant period of employment from 2023 through mid-2025. Its component industry, accommodation and food services, has been particularly robust, adding 4,900 jobs since July.
Health care and social assistance continued its rapid expansion over the past several years, adding 10,900 jobs, or 3.5%, between November 2024 and November 2025.
Government employment cut 2,300 jobs between September and November. Federal government lost 800 jobs during the most recent two months as those taking early retirement incentives were recorded as dropping off payrolls in October.
The information industry cut 1,200 jobs between September and November. At 33,400 total jobs in November, it rapidly declined since reaching a peak of 37,300 jobs three years ago.
Next Press Releases
The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the October and November county and metropolitan area unemployment rates on Tuesday, Jan. 13, and the next statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for December on Thursday, Jan. 22.
