The national unemployment rate was 3.4% in April 2023, down 0.1% from March 2023, and last year’s rate of 3.6% in April 2022. Among the unemployed, the number of people not in the labor force who currently want a job increased by 346,000 over the month to 5.3 million. Both the labor force participation rate, at 62.6%, and the employment-population ratio, at 60.4%, were unchanged in April. On the other hand, total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 253,000 in April, compared with the average monthly gain of 290,000 over the prior six months.
Employment Trends in the National Job Market
In April 2023, employment continued to increase in professional and business services. Over the prior six months, the average monthly gain in the industry was 25,000. In April, professional, scientific, and technical services added 45,000 jobs. Employment in health care increased by 40,000 in April, compared with an average monthly gain of 47,000 over the prior six months. Leisure and hospitality employment continued to trend up in April, mainly in food services and drinking places.
During the month of April, social assistance added 25,000 jobs, in line with the average monthly gain of 21,000 over the prior six months. Employment in financial activities increased by 23,000 in April, with gains in insurance carriers and related activities, including real estate.
Government employment continued its upward trend in April. Overall, employment in government is below its February 2020 level by 301,000, or 1.3%. Employment in mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction rose by 6,000 in April and by 102,000 since a recent low in February 2021. Nearly all of the April job gains occurred in support activities for mining.
North Central Florida Labor Numbers
Florida’s economy continues to steadily support job growth compared to other states, with February’s unemployment rate remaining at a low of 2.6%. In addition, Florida’s seasonally adjusted total nonagricultural employment was 9,704,700 in April 2023. The state gained 363,400 jobs over the year, an increase of 3.9%. Nationally, the number of jobs rose by 2.6% over the year.
Locally, in Alachua County, the labor force, or the number of individuals employed and seeking employment, in April was 147,029, while employment in the county was 143,559, compared to the March labor force of 145,820 and the employment rate of 142,050. In the same month, Gainesville’s unemployment decreased to 2.4%, with the unemployment level at 3,661.
Many job opportunities are available throughout the state, with more than 409,000 jobs posted online! We encourage Floridians searching for work and new job opportunities to turn to the CareerSource North Central Florida network for help. If you want to learn more about available jobs in the North Central Florida area, please email [email protected].