Overall unemployment rate moved down to 5.6% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 9,500 roles, based on the most recently available information published in November 2021.

Total employment in the San Diego-Carlsbad, CA market rose by 13,873 jobs in September and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 100 bps to 5.6%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 72 bps over the same time to 4.6%.

  • San Diego-Carlsbad, CA unemployment rate is 104 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 400 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in September versus prior month by 3.2% and are down 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 September 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.3% . Key sectors include:

  • Business Services: 252,400; +1,400
  • Government: 234,300; +9,500
  • Education & Healthcare: 210,600; -1,500
  • Transportation & Utilities: 208,700; -700
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 163,700; -1,500
  • Manufacturing: 112,500; -1,100
  • Construction, Mining: 88,600; -1,000
  • Financial Services: 71,900; +300
  • Other Jobs: 48,100; -1,800
  • IT & Development: 22,700; no change
San Diego-Carlsbad, CA Unemployment by Industry September 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through September 2021 (Data published November 2021 and reports created on November 3, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.