NAPLES, Fla. — FloridaCommerce has reported an increase of 6,400 jobs in the Southwest Florida private sector for May 2024 compared to the previous year. The unemployment rate in Naples stood at 2.7 percent, marking a slight increase of 0.1 percentage points over the year. Fort Myers maintained a steady unemployment rate of 3.0 percent.
The labor force in Naples grew by 0.4 percent (+790) since May 2023, while Fort Myers experienced a decline of 2,087 (-0.6 percent). In terms of job growth, Fort Myers saw an addition of 2,900 jobs (+1.1 percent), with construction and trade, transportation, and utilities sectors contributing significantly.
In Naples, the leisure and hospitality industry led job growth with an increase of 1,400 jobs. Overall private sector employment in Naples rose by 3,500 jobs (+2.2 percent).
Statewide data shows that Florida’s private sector job growth rate outpaced the national average with a 2.2 percent increase (+192,000) versus the national rate of 1.6 percent. The construction sector added the most jobs statewide with a monthly gain of 5,500 jobs (+0.8 percent), followed by education and health services which added 2,700 jobs (+0.2 percent).
Florida’s statewide unemployment rate was reported at 3.3 percent for May 2024—unchanged from April—and remained below the national rate which increased to 4 percent.
There were more than 397,000 job postings online across Florida in May indicating substantial opportunities for job seekers. Resources such as CareerSource Florida offer support for individuals seeking employment through various services including resume writing assistance and career training programs.
For detailed regional employment reports or additional labor market information for May 2024, visit www.floridajobs.org/labor-market-information/labor-market-information-press-releases/monthly-press-releases or access further insights through Florida Insight.
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