March Brings Biggest Job Gains in Oregon Since 2005

Preliminary estimates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that Oregon's seasonally adjusted employment gain of 7,500 jobs in March was the largest monthly increase since late 2005.

The accelerated job growth in March represented broad-based economic expansion. Many industries added at least 1,000 jobs over the month. They included leisure and hospitality (+2,100); construction (+1,800); health care and social assistance (+1,400); professional and business services (+1,200); and retail trade (+1,200). 

Oregon's unemployment rate was 6.9 percent in March. That's essentially unchanged from 6.8 percent in February, but significantly below 8.0 percent in March 2013. Oregon's labor force increased for the fifth consecutive month, following nearly two years of monthly declines. These labor force increases can keep the unemployment rate from improving, even in times of job gains.

You can find more information from today's employment situation news release at QualityInfo.org.