Governor DeSantis Announces the Jacksonville Area Private Sector Employment up 6.3% Over the Year in March 2022

Jacksonville, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the Jacksonville area’s private sector employment increased by 40,300 jobs, or 6.3 percent, over the year. The Jacksonville area unemployment rate was 2.5 percent in March 2022, down 2 percentage points from the rate of 4.5 percent in March 2021. The Jacksonville area labor force increased by 4.5 percent over the year, adding 35,569 people to the workforce.

The Jacksonville area industry gaining the most jobs over the year was professional and business services, increasing by 15,800 jobs. In March 2022, the Jacksonville area led all other metro areas in job gains over the year in construction, growing by 4,300 jobs.

Florida’s statewide unemployment rate dropped to 3.2 percent in March 2022, marking the 16^th consecutive month the state’s unemployment rate has been lower than the national rate, which is currently 3.6 percent. Florida’s labor force is experiencing steady growth, growing by 325,000, or 3.2 percent, over the year, faster than the national labor force growth rate of 2.4 percent. As of March 2022, Florida employers added jobs for the 23^rd consecutive month, and Florida outpaced the nation in private sector job growth for the 12^th consecutive month.

Data in the month of March continues to indicate there are many job opportunities available for Floridians throughout the state, with nearly 510,000 jobs posted online. Floridians in search of work and new job opportunities are encouraged to turn to the CareerSource Florida network for help. Floridians can find guidance on how to register with Employ Florida and search listings of available local job openings. Career seekers also can improve their employability by perfecting resume writing and interviewing skills, establishing career goals, and pursuing customized career training. These services are provided at no cost to job seekers.

To view the statewide March 2022 employment data, visit www.floridajobs.org/labor-market-information/labor-market-information-press-releases/monthly-press-releases.  

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