SALEM, Ore. — Oregon’s unemployment rate remained unchanged at 5.2% in March, matching February’s rate, according to new data released Friday by the Oregon Employment Department. The national unemployment rate was slightly lower, at 4.3% in March, down from 4.4% the previous month.
Despite stable unemployment, the state continued to see job losses. Seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment declined by 4,800 jobs in March, following a revised loss of 6,900 jobs in February.
Retail trade provided a modest bright spot, adding 900 jobs in March after gaining 800 in February. However, the sector remains below year-ago levels, down 1,900 jobs, or 0.9%, since March 2025. Within the industry, motor vehicle and parts dealers experienced the largest declines, shedding 1,100 jobs over the past year to reach 24,500 employed in March.
Government employment also continued a downward trend. After reaching a peak of 318,700 jobs in September, the sector has fallen by 5,500 jobs to 313,200 in March. Federal government employment accounted for much of the decline, dropping by 3,000 jobs since October 2024. Local government employment, totaling 237,200 in March, has also slipped by 1,000 jobs, or 0.4%, over the past year.
Professional and business services saw the steepest losses in March, cutting 2,400 jobs following a 1,800-job decline in February. The sector has been on a three-year downward trajectory and has lost 10,600 jobs, or 4.1%, over the past 12 months.
State economists say the mixed data reflects ongoing adjustments in Oregon’s labor market, with some sectors stabilizing while others continue to contract.
The Oregon Employment Department plans to release detailed county and metropolitan area data for March on May 5. The next statewide unemployment and employment report, covering April, is scheduled for May 20.
The department’s Workforce and Economic Research Division compiles and analyzes labor market data to inform policymakers, businesses, and job seekers across the state.
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