Overall unemployment rate moved down to 4.8% with the biggest shift in Education & Healthcare, which gained 600 roles, based on the most recently available information published in April 2021.
Total employment in the Portland-South Portland, ME market rose by 1,256 jobs in March and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 20 bps to 4.8%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 38 bps over the same time to 6.2%.
- Portland-South Portland, ME unemployment rate is 138 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
- Unemployment in the market is 120 bps above the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a negative.
- Average wages (per hour) grew in March versus prior month by 9.9% and are up compared to last year at this time in the market.
For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.5% . Key sectors include:
- Education & Healthcare: 42,600; +600
- Transportation & Utilities: 34,800; -600
- Business Services: 28,500; no change
- Government: 22,900; no change
- Financial Services: 16,600; +100
- Restaurants & Hotels: 14,800; +400
- Manufacturing: 14,700; +200
- Construction, Mining: 9,600; +200
- Other Jobs: 7,200; +100
- IT & Development: 3,000; no change
Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through March 2021 (Data published April 2021 and reports created on April 29, 2021). Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.
Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.