SLO County Monthly Labor Market Information

Unemployment Rate for San Luis Obispo County saw a decrease in March 2026

The San Luis Obispo County Monthly Employment Report (March 2026) shows a decrease in the civilian labor force, an increase in civilian employment, and a decrease in civilian unemployment.

Unemployment

The California Employment Development Department (EDD) reported that the unemployment rate was 4.1% in March 2026, down from the revised February 2026 rate.  SLO County ranks 8th-lowest in unemployment rate in the state. The unadjusted Unemployment Rate in California was 5.2% and 4.3% in the nation during the same period.

Month-over Job Changes

The Government industry experienced the most job growth in this reporting period, adding 200 jobs. The Mining, Logging, and Construction, Trade, Transportation, and Utilities, and Leisure and Hospitality industries each gained 100 jobs in March.

The Manufacturing, Information, Financial Activities, Professional and Business Services, Education and Health Services, and Other Services industries saw no changes in job loss or growth during the month of March.

There were no job losses reported in March.

Total Farm experienced an increase of 100 jobs during the report period.

In March, San Luis Obispo County gained a total of 600 jobs.

Year-over Job Changes

The Private Education and Health Services industry experienced the largest year-over-year change, adding 600 jobs. The Leisure and Hospitality industry added 100 jobs over the past year.

The Financial Activities industry reported no changes since the same time last year.

The Government industry experienced the most year-over-year loss, losing 2,800 jobs since this same reporting period in 2024.  The Mining, Logging, and Construction industry experienced a decrease of 400 jobs over the past year. The Manufacturing and Trade, Transportation, and Utilities industries each lost 200 jobs over the past year. The Information, Professional and Business Services, and Other Services industries experienced a year-over-year loss of 100 jobs each. 

Total Farm experienced a year-over-year gain of 100 jobs.

Overall, employers in San Luis Obispo County lost 3,100 jobs over the past year.

This report is written by the San Luis Obispo County Workforce Development Board Staff.

Data Source: http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov