Arizona’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased three-tenths of a percentage point from 5.5% in September to 5.2% in October. The U.S. seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased one-tenth of a percentage point from 5.0% in September to 4.9% in October. A year ago, the Arizona seasonally adjusted rate was 6.1% and the U.S. rate was 5.0%.
Over the Month
Arizona gained 28,000 Nonfarm jobs (1.0%) in October. This was more than the post-recessionary (’10-’15) average gain of 26,500 jobs. The Private Sector gained 24,400 jobs (0.2%). Historically, (’10-’15) the Private Sector averages employment gains of 23,300 jobs in October. Ten of the eleven sectors posted gains. One sector, Natural Resources and Mining, posted neither gains nor losses. The gains were recorded in Professional and Business Services (8,000 jobs); Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (5,100 jobs); Education and Health Services (4,200 jobs); Government (3,600 jobs); Leisure and Hospitality (3,600 jobs); Financial Activities (1,600 jobs); Information (900 jobs); Other Services (400 jobs); Construction (400 jobs); and Manufacturing (200 jobs).
Over the Year
Arizona Nonfarm employment grew by 1.8% (49,600 jobs) over the year in October. The Private Sector accounted for all of the October gains, adding 50,400 jobs (2.2%). Government employment declined by 800 jobs in October. Seven of the eleven sectors reported job gains, one remained consistent. The sectors with the largest gains included Education and Health Services (15,800 jobs); Construction (10,500 jobs); Leisure and Hospitality (8,000 jobs); and Financial Activities (7,300 jobs). Gains were also recorded for Professional and Business Services (6,200 jobs); Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (4,100 jobs); and Information (1,900 jobs). One sector, Natural Resources and Mining, posted neither gains nor losses. Job losses were reported in Government (-800 jobs); Manufacturing (-1,100 jobs); and Other Services (-2,300 jobs).
To view the entire report, please visit laborstats.az.gov/.