Overall unemployment rate moved down to 5.0% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 800 roles, based on the most recently available information published in April 2021.
Total employment in the Portland-South Portland, ME market rose by 2,014 jobs in February and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 70 bps to 5.0%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 26 bps over the same time to 6.6%.
- Portland-South Portland, ME unemployment rate is 155 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
- Unemployment in the market is 180 bps above the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a negative.
- Average wages (per hour) grew in February versus prior month by 10.4% and are up compared to last year at this time in the market.
For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.8% . Key sectors include:
- Education & Healthcare: 42,000; no change
- Transportation & Utilities: 35,400; -500
- Business Services: 29,400; +700
- Government: 22,800; +800
- Financial Services: 16,500; -100
- Restaurants & Hotels: 14,500; +700
- Manufacturing: 14,500; +100
- Construction, Mining: 9,400; -200
- Other Jobs: 7,100; no change
- IT & Development: 3,000; no change
Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through February 2021 (Data published April 2021 and reports created on April 9, 2021). Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.
Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.