In April, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment rose by 4,900 jobs, following a revised gain of 2,600 jobs in March. April’s gains were largest in health care and social assistance (+1,700 jobs); construction (+1,500); and manufacturing (+900). Monthly declines were largest in professional and business services (-1,100 jobs).
Over the past two years, health care and social assistance continued to add jobs at a rapid, consistent pace. The sector grew by 16,600 jobs, or 5.9%, since April 2023 following a gain of 13,900 jobs, or 5.2%, between April 2022 and April 2023. Within the broader sector, social assistance accelerated its expansion in recent months, as it added 4,800 jobs during the past five months. The three component industries within health care each expanded rapidly over the past 12 months: nursing and residential care facilities (+3,300 jobs); hospitals (+2,900); and ambulatory health care services (+2,800).
Government, which added 9,400 jobs, or 3.1%, since April 2023, was the only other major sector growing quickly in the past 12 months. Each of its three components grew rapidly during that time: local government (+6,100 jobs, or 2.7%); state government (+2,100 jobs, or 4.6%); and federal government (+1,200 jobs, or 4.2%).
Meanwhile, more than half of the major industries reduced employment over the past 12 months, with manufacturing (-3,700 jobs, or -1.9%) and retail trade (-2,300 jobs, or -1.1%) cutting the most. Furthermore, professional and business services (-1,600 jobs); information (-1,100); and construction (-1,000) each shed at least 1,000 jobs.
Oregon’s unemployment rate was 4.2% in April, the same as in February and March. Since October 2021, Oregon’s unemployment rate has stayed between 3.4% and 4.2%, averaging 3.9%. The U.S. unemployment rate was 3.9% in April and 3.8% in March.
