Overall unemployment rate moved down to 6.6% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 3,500 roles, based on the most recently available information published in September 2021.

Total employment in the San Diego-Carlsbad, CA market declined by 7,180 jobs in August and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 30 bps to 6.6%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 38 bps over the same time to 5.3%.

  • San Diego-Carlsbad, CA unemployment rate is 131 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 420 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in August versus prior month by 6.4% and are up compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA Unemployment August 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.4% . Key sectors include:

  • Business Services: 249,700; +200
  • Government: 224,900; +3,500
  • Education & Healthcare: 211,800; -600
  • Transportation & Utilities: 208,500; -700
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 164,600; +2,000
  • Manufacturing: 113,600; -600
  • Construction, Mining: 90,600; +3,400
  • Financial Services: 71,900; -900
  • Other Jobs: 49,100; -1,000
  • IT & Development: 22,600; no change
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA Unemployment by Industry August 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through August 2021 (Data published September 2021 and reports created on September 29, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.