56,700 Jobs Added
California’s labor market expanded nicely in October (the latest numbers), according to an analysis released jointly with Beacon Economics. Total nonfarm employment in the state grew by 56,700 positions during the month, and with these gains, California has now fully recovered from the large job losses sustained during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“October 2022 marks a significant milestone for California with employment in the state reaching full recovery from the pandemic driven losses.” said Taner Osman, Research Manager at Beacon Economics and the Center for Economic Forecasting. “This feat is particularly impressive since the state’s labor force has about one-quarter of a million fewer workers than it did prior to the crisis. The lowest unemployment rate on record has helped to offset the contraction in the state’s labor force.”
These latest figures highlight the strength and resilience of California’s economy following an unprecedented period of disruption. The pandemic triggered historic job losses, with sectors such as hospitality, retail, and leisure particularly hard hit. The ability of the state to regain all those jobs while continuing to expand in critical industries demonstrates the adaptability of both employers and workers. Sectors that had to pause or reinvent operations during the pandemic have reopened or transformed, creating opportunities for workers to re-enter the labor force in new roles.
September’s gains were revised down to 5,300 in the latest numbers, a 1,200 decrease from the preliminary estimate of 6,500. Revisions such as these are common, as more complete data become available and analysts refine their estimates. Even with the slight downward adjustment, the overall trajectory remains strongly positive.
30,800 More People Employed
After underperforming the national labor market in 2020, a condition driven by labor shortages, California’s healthy job gains in 2021 and 2022 mean there are now 30,800 more people employed in the state compared to February 2020, the time of the pre-pandemic peak. While total nonfarm employment in the state has grown 0.2% since the pandemic lows, compared to a 0.5% increase nationally, California’s economy is rapidly catching up to the national trend. California increased payrolls by 4.1% from October 2021 to October 2022, outpacing the 3.6% increase in the United States over the same period.
This growth underscores the importance of sustained recovery efforts and policy support, as well as the strength of California’s diverse economy. With major hubs in technology, agriculture, healthcare, and entertainment, the state continues to benefit from innovation and investment. The fact that employment numbers now surpass pre-pandemic levels shows how California has not only recovered but is also building momentum for long-term stability.
4.0% Unemployment Rate
California’s unemployment rate grew to 4.0% in October, a 0.2 percentage-point increase from the previous month. This matched the increase in the national economy during the month. The state’s 3.8% unemployment rate in September was the lowest rate on record, and the present figure remains near historic lows.
California continues to struggle with its labor supply, which fell by 5,100 in the latest numbers. Since February 2020, the state’s labor force has fallen by 256,900 workers, a 1.3% decline. A shrinking labor force can limit the pace of growth, as businesses compete for fewer available workers. Despite this challenge, employers are continuing to add jobs, and the overall employment picture remains highly favorable. The tight labor market also reflects broader national trends, where many states are navigating similar issues around workforce participation and availability.
Overall, the October data illustrates a state economy that has proven resilient in the face of historic challenges. While labor shortages and workforce contraction remain ongoing issues, California’s ability to surpass pre-pandemic employment levels, sustain job growth, and remain close to record-low unemployment demonstrates that the state’s recovery is not only complete but continuing to expand.