Oregon unemployment rate and employment level flat in May

Oregon's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 10.6 percent for a third consecutive month in May. The rate has been essentially unchanged over the last seven months. Oregon's unemployment rate for May was down 1 percentage point from May 2009.

Total seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment remained flat over the month, following a revised gain of 5,500 jobs in April. Government added 6,800 jobs in May, due to continued hiring of temporary Census workers. In the private sector, several major industries posted job declines, while only two major industries produced substantial gains over the month. Construction posted a gain of 1,700 jobs in May, and manufacturing rose by 700. Financial activities shed 800 jobs, and education and health services employment dropped by 1,900.

For more information, see the full press release.

You can also find future press release dates, and watch the live broadcast of Oregon's employment situation on our home page each month!