San Diego County's unemployment rate fell to 3.6 percent in May, down from a revised 3.8 percent for the previous month, and below the year-ago estimate of 4.3 percent, the state Employment Development Department reported Friday.
That compares with an unadjusted unemployment rate of 4.2 percent for California and 4.1 percent for the nation during the same period, according to the EDD.
In San Diego County, between April and May of this year, total nonfarm employment increased from 1,437,700 to 1,443,800, a gain of 6,100 jobs. Agricultural employment added 100 jobs, or 1.1 percent.
“If you’re considering work this is the time to get back in the job market. Mom and Dad, tell your kids to get back in the job market,” said Phil Blair, executive officer at Manpower staffing which connects job seekers to employers. “Husbands and wives, tell your spouses to get back in the job market. We have jobs for them.”
Leisure and hospitality posted the greatest month-over gain in San Diego County, adding 2,400 jobs. Accommodation and food services -- up 1,500 -- accounted for more than 62 percent of the job growth in the area, primarily from food services and drinking places (up 1,100). Arts, entertainment and recreation gained 900 jobs.
“There are jobs out there,” said Blair. “All the way from light industrial $12, $14 an hour jobs with no experience all the way to IT, programmers, and engineers.”
Statewide, the unemployment rate last month was 4.7 percent, down from 4.8 percent in April, according to the EDD.
