Where the Jobs Are — and Where They Aren't: February Unemployment Rates in the East Bay

The unemployment rate in the East Bay for February 2012 was 9.6 percent, identical to January 2012 but lower than the estimated 10.8 percent rate for February of last year, according to figures released Friday by the state Employment Development Department (EDD).

This compares with an unadjusted unemployment rate of 11.4 percent for California and 8.7 percent for the nation during the same period. The unemployment rate was 9.5 percent in Alameda County and 9.6 percent in Contra Costa County.

According to EDD figures, the Ferbuary 2012 unemployment rate for Piedmont was 5 percent, with 300 persons jobless out of a total labor force of 5,500.

Between January 2012 and February 2012, the total number of jobs located in the East Bay counties of Alameda and Contra Costa increased by 7,700 jobs to reach 954,700, the EDD report said.

The biggest jump came in private educational and health services, which together added 3,500 jobs. This is much more than the average increase of 2,000 jobs between January and February over the prior 10 years. Private education, which includes private schools, privately owned vocational training programs and similar services, added 1,600 jobs seasonally. Private health care and social assistance grew by 1,900 jobs.

Professional and business services grew by 3,000 jobs, with 1,900 of those jobs in administrative and support and waste services (which includes hauling, recycling centers and hazardous waste collection). Professional, scientific, and technical services added 1,100 jobs.

Other industries showing gains over January 2012 included government (up 1,700 jobs), manufacturing (up 600 jobs) and information (up 200 jobs). Government employment is still well below the same period last year, with 3,200 fewer jobs than in February 2011, mostly at the local level.

Trade, transportation, and utilities decreased between January and February 2012 by a net 1,300 jobs. Retail trade (down 2,000 jobs) experienced a seasonal cutback, which more than offset gains in wholesale trade (up 500 jobs) and transportation, warehousing, and utilities (up 200 jobs).

2011 vs. 2012

Between February 2011 and February 2012, the total number of jobs located in the East Bay increased by 12,600 jobs, or 1.3 percent.

Private educational and health services expanded by 5,300 jobs, mostly in private health care and social assistance (up 5,000 jobs).

Professional and business services added 4,900 jobs from last February, primarily in professional, scientific and technical services (up 3,600 jobs).

Trade, transportation, and utilities increased payrolls by 3,200 jobs. Retail trade accounted for half of the gains (up 1,600 jobs).

Additional industries with year-over gains of at least 1,200 jobs included other services (up 2,300 jobs) and construction (up 1,200 jobs).

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