Oregon Payrolls Rose by 5,800 Jobs in September

The state saw mixed employment trends across sectors as the unemployment rate held steady at 5.0%.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Employment

Oregon Payrolls Rose by 5,800 Jobs in September

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Oregon nonfarm payroll employment increased by 5,800 jobs in September 2026, as the state unemployment rate remained at 5.0%. This modest expansion follows a gain of 2,600 jobs in August.

Why it matters

Understanding regional labor trends helps operators forecast hiring availability and local consumer spending power. As payrolls shift across key industries like construction and retail, businesses must adjust their staffing strategies to match local market supply.

Oregon added 5,800 nonfarm payroll jobs in September, with the unemployment rate landing at 5.0% compared to 5.1% in August. Nationally, the U.S. unemployment rate stood at 4.2% for the same period.

The details

Construction employment led the growth with 2,000 new positions, marking a sharp increase from the moderate growth observed between April and August. Health care and social assistance added 1,700 jobs, while leisure and hospitality grew by 1,300. Conversely, retail trade faced a contraction, losing 1,500 jobs during the month.

September 2026: The state unemployment rate was 5.0%.
August 2026: The state unemployment rate was 5.1%.
March 2025: The state unemployment rate was 5.0%.

Market Landscape

Comparing state-level figures against the national Bureau of Labor Statistics monthly employment situation report highlights regional divergence. Oregon's 5.0% unemployment rate remains elevated relative to the 4.2% national benchmark for September.

Operators should monitor sector-specific hiring shifts as construction and service roles expand while retail faces contraction. Evaluating labor supply in these specific industries is essential for maintaining operational capacity and managing wage pressures.

The takeaway

The modest payroll growth highlights a segmented labor market where industrial and service sectors are outpacing retail. Monitor sub-sector employment data in your region to refine your near-term recruitment and staffing budget allocations.