Oregon’s Employment Situation Changed Little in July

Both payroll employment and the unemployment rate were essentially unchanged in July. Payroll employment added 200 jobs over the month while the unemployment rate ticked up slightly from 6.8 percent to 6.9 percent. Despite little overall gain in the monthly figures, employment over the past year is up 39,500 jobs (or 2.4%).

Three major industries expanded in July: manufacturing (+1,600), health care and social assistance (+1,300) and other services (+1,400). Retail trade (-1,400) and private educational services (-1,300) lost jobs.

Oregon's unemployment rate has fallen almost a whole percentage point since last July (when it was 7.8%). Likewise, Oregon's labor force expanded over the year, adding 22,000 individuals since July 2013.

See today's entire press release here: Oregon Employment Situation.