FloridaCommerce has released the employment data for the Pensacola metro area, showing an increase of 1,600 private sector jobs over the year by March 2025. The education and health services sector was the largest contributor, adding 700 jobs.
The labor force in the Pensacola area experienced a slight rise, growing by 739 people, or 0.3%, from the previous year. The unemployment rate in the region climbed to 3.7% in March 2025, up by 0.3 percentage points from 3.4% in March 2024.
Statewide, the manufacturing industry marked its fifth consecutive month of job gains, adding 1,900 jobs in March 2025. Florida’s labor force expanded by 62,000, a 0.6% increase over the year, bringing the total to nearly 11.2 million workers. The state’s manufacturing sector achieved a total of 434,600 jobs, reflecting a 5,700 job increase, or 1.3% over the year. Notably, the number of manufacturing establishments has grown by 32% since the first quarter of 2019, reaching a total of 27,310.
Overall, Florida has seen job additions in 56 of the past 59 months since May 2020, with total private employment rising by 113,600 jobs, or 1.3%, over the year. This growth outpaced the national rate of 1.2%. For 53 consecutive months since November 2020, Florida’s unemployment rate has remained lower than the national average. The state’s private sector job growth has exceeded the national rate in 46 of the last 48 months since April 2021. The trade, transportation, and utilities sector led job growth with an addition of 5,800 jobs, followed closely by the education and health services sector with 5,600 new jobs.
Job seekers in Florida have access to various resources. The Employ Florida labor exchange connects individuals to employment, training, and education opportunities. CareerSource Florida’s local career centers provide personalized career counseling, skills assessments, resume assistance, and job placement services. “Apprentice Florida”, in partnership with the Florida Department of Education, Florida Commerce, and CareerSource Florida, offers expanded apprenticeship programs. Additionally, Veterans Florida supports military veterans’ transition to civilian employment, and the Military Family Employment Advocacy Program assists military spouses and family members in job placement. Other resources include a reciprocity program for military spouses’ professional licenses and a talent pipeline portal for the aerospace and defense industry.
In March, approximately 411,000 jobs were listed online, emphasizing the availability of employment opportunities for Floridians. Through the CareerSource Florida network, job seekers can readily access assistance in registering with Employ Florida, perfecting job search skills, and pursuing career training at no cost.
For regional March 2025 job reports and more economic data, Floridians can visit Florida Insight or view the accompanying video for guidance.
