Overall unemployment rate moved up to 3.2% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 900 roles, based on the most recently available information published in January 2022.
Total employment in the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA market declined by 2,638 jobs in November and the unemployment rate increased compared to the prior month by 40 bps to 3.2%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 4 bps over the same time to 3.4%.
- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA unemployment rate is 16 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
- Unemployment in the market is 70 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
- Average wages (per hour) grew in November versus prior month by 6.4% and are down compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.8% . Key sectors include:
- Government: 39,000; +900
- Business Services: 35,300; +200
- Education & Healthcare: 30,300; +200
- Restaurants & Hotels: 29,000; -500
- Transportation & Utilities: 27,800; +500
Employment Change by Key Sector
Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through November 2022 (Data published January 2022 and reports created on January 3, 2022). Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.
Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.