Oregon’s unemployment rate was 4.7% in April and 4.6% in March, after rising gradually over the past year from 4.1% in April 2024. Oregon’s 4.7% unemployment rate was 1.1 percentage points higher than the recent low of 3.6% during spring 2023. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.2% in both March and April.
In April, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment rose by 1,200 jobs, following a revised gain of 6,200 jobs in March. April’s gains were largest in leisure and hospitality (+3,300 jobs) and professional and business services (+900). Declines were largest in transportation, warehousing, and utilities (-1,300 jobs) and other services (-600). None of the other major industries had a change of more than 400 jobs.
Leisure and hospitality had a larger-than-expected increase in seasonal hiring in April, adding 3,300 jobs. The April jobs total of 212,700 was 5,600 jobs, or 2.7%, above its average during the prior two years. Its component industry arts, entertainment, and recreation added 500 jobs in April, to reach a record high of 30,200. During the past two years it has expanded consistently. Meanwhile, the other component industry—accommodation and food services—is estimated to have grown rapidly this year, adding 2,800 jobs in April and 5,000 jobs so far this year, following slight declines over the prior two years.
Construction employment slipped by 200 jobs in April to a total of 114,600 jobs, continuing a gradual downward trend. Since reaching a peak of 119,000 jobs in June 2023 construction has shed 4,400 jobs, or -3.7%.
Transportation, warehousing, and utilities cut 1,300 jobs in April, following a gradual gain of nearly the same amount during the prior 12 months. Most of the April loss occurred in couriers and messengers which cut 800 jobs in April and shed 1,200 jobs since April 2024.
Next Press Releases
The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the April county and metropolitan area unemployment rates on Tuesday, May 20, and the next statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for May on Wednesday, June 18.
