San Diego’s unemployment rate for August dropped to 4.1 percent, down from 4.3 percent in July. It was at 4.4 percent in August 2005, according to the latest report from the state Employment Development Department.
San Diego’s rate continued to track below that of the entire state at 4.9 percent, and 4.6 percent for the nation.
During the month, the region gained a net of 600 jobs, driven by a gain of 1,800 jobs in leisure and hospitality, and the addition of 1,100 jobs in the professional and business services category.
Those large gains were offset by declines of 2,200 jobs in the government sector, mainly from teaching and other education positions resulting in the summer recess, and a loss of 500 jobs in construction.
For the full year, the region has gained a net of 18,300 jobs, up 1.4 percent from the same month in 2005, the EDD said.
The largest contributors to the increase were professional and business services, which added 5,400 jobs; leisure and hospitality, up 4,100 jobs, with 90 percent of that coming in the hotel and food services area; educational and health services, up 3,100 jobs; and trade, transportation and utilities, an increase of 2,500 jobs, led by 1,300 jobs coming in wholesale trade.
, Mike Allen
