Oregon Payroll Employment Increases in September

State employers added 5,800 jobs as the unemployment rate dipped to 5.0% during September 2026.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Employment

Isometric editorial illustration showing stylized construction beams and a medical tool on a timber base, representing Oregon's economic sectors. — Oregon employers added 5,800 nonfarm payroll jobs in September 2026, as the state unemployment rate decreased to 5.0%. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Is the economic climate in your local area getting better for your household's financial stability?

Oregon nonfarm payroll employment rose by 5,800 jobs in September 2026, marking a significant increase from the previous month. Concurrently, the state unemployment rate fell to 5.0% from 5.1% in August.

Why it matters

These employment figures provide insight into the current strength of the state economy compared to national trends. The data highlights a recovery in job growth following gains of 2,600 positions in August.

Oregon payroll employment grew by 5,800 jobs in September 2026, an improvement over the 2,600 jobs added in August. The state unemployment rate moved to 5.0%, while the national rate sat at 4.2%.

The details

Sector-specific performance was mixed throughout the month, with construction adding 2,000 jobs and health care and social assistance growing by 1,700 positions. Meanwhile, the retail trade sector experienced a decline of 1,500 jobs.

March 2025 marked a period when the state unemployment rate was 5.0%.
August 2026 saw an unemployment rate of 5.1% alongside 2,600 new payroll jobs.
September 2026 recorded a 5.0% unemployment rate and 5,800 payroll job gains.

Macro View

These state-level employment figures reflect a localized labor market cycle that mirrors broader national trends. Current data suggests an economic environment that aligns with historical patterns of state-level growth relative to federal employment reports.

The uptick in job gains signals potential improvement in local employment opportunities for job seekers across various industries. However, persistent shifts in retail trade may impact local staffing levels and job security for residents in that specific sector.

The takeaway

Oregon's labor market continues to show dynamic movement across different sectors as hiring picks up speed. Residents can monitor industry-specific trends to better understand how current sector growth may affect their long-term employment outlook.