Overall unemployment rate moved down to 5.3% with the biggest shift in Business Services, which gained 6,500 roles, based on the most recently available information published in December 2021.

Total employment in the San Diego-Carlsbad, CA market rose by 19,362 jobs in October and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 30 bps to 5.3%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 30 bps over the same time to 4.3%.

  • San Diego-Carlsbad, CA unemployment rate is 104 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 310 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in October versus prior month by 4.7% 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 October 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 1.9% . Key sectors include:

  • Business Services: 259,800; +6,500
  • Government: 239,300; +5,100
  • Education & Healthcare: 214,200; +2,900
  • Transportation & Utilities: 211,900; +3,100
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 168,500; +5,400
  • Manufacturing: 113,400; +600
  • Construction, Mining: 90,300; +1,700
  • Financial Services: 72,500; +800
  • Other Jobs: 51,200; +1,300
  • IT & Development: 22,900; +100
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA Unemployment by Industry October 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through October 2021 (Data published December 2021 and reports created on December 2, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.