EDD reports California's unemployment rate (seasonally adjusted) in August stayed at 4.1% as the labor force continued to dip. Total employment was up 5,400 from the revised July numbers, while total unemployment dropped by 13,200. Total labor force was down 7,800 as the labor force participation rate held steady.

The US unemployment rate remained at 3.7% as nationally the labor force continued to draw in 571,000 new workers.  Employment was up 590,000 and unemployment down 19,000.

Nonfarm wage and salary jobs rose 34,500 (seasonally adjusted) in August, while jobs nationally grew by 130,000. July's gains were revised to 16,200 from the previously reported 19,600. Biggest gains were in Government (14,500; $70.1k), Accommodation & Food Services (8,300; $25.0k), and Administrative & Support & Waste Services (6,100; $45.4k). Losses were in 8 industries, led by Retail Trade (-1,700; $36.7k), Construction (-1,700; $70.1k), and Finance & Insurance (-1,400, $128.1k). All salary numbers are the latest 4-quarter average from Quarterly Census of Employment & Wages.

While jobs growth continues to slow in the state, employment has slowed more strongly as the labor force growth continues to stall out.  California employment dropped by 34,500 over the year ending August 2018 (seasonally adjusted), putting it at the 50th highest gain among the states and above only New York.  On a population-adjusted basis, California’s growth rate was -1.1%, placing it at 46th highest.

Only one county, Imperial, had an unemployment rate at 10% or above. The number with unemployment rates at or below 5% rose to 39, with 7 counties at 3% or below.  San Mateo had the lowest rate at 2.1%, while Imperial had the highest at 22.1%.