Oregon Showed Stronger Growth in 2012, and Added 4,200 Jobs in January

This morning the Oregon Employment Department released employment figures for January, and revised employment numbers for 2011 and 2012. 

Preliminary estimates from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicate that nonfarm payroll employment rose by 4,200 jobs in January. The private sector added 5,000 jobs over the month, while public-sector employment fell by 800 jobs. 

Revised employment numbers for the previous two years were also released. These revisions show that Oregon's job picture looked a bit better than originally reported at the end of 2011 and in 2012. Annual average employment for 2011 increased by 2,100 jobs, or 0.1 percent. Oregon added an annual average of 6,500 jobs (+0.4%) more than originally estimated in 2012. Oregon's economy added jobs slowly but steadily for the past three years.

Oregon's unemployment rate remained essentially unchanged at 8.4 percent in January. The rate has remained between 8.3 percent and 8.9 percent for the past 12 months.

You can find more employment and unemployment news in the full release.