Education jobs in Rhode Island climb

Posted on April 4, 2019

The number of education jobs in Rhode Island are climbing, according to recent labor statistics.

Tthe state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for February 2019 was 3.9 percent, down one-tenth of a percentage point from the January rate. Over the year, the unemployment rate is down four-tenths of a percentage point from the February 2018 rate of 4.3 percent.

The US unemployment rate was 3.8 percent in February 2019, down two-tenths of a percentage point from the previous month and down three-tenths of a percentage point over the year.

The number of unemployed Rhode Island residents — those residents classified as available for and actively seeking employment — was 21,900, down 400 from January. Over the year, the number of unemployed decreased by 2,100.

The Rhode Island labor force totaled 555,300 in February 2019, down 800 from January 2019, and down 300 from February 2018 (555,600).

After reporting large job declines in January, both the Educational Services and Health Care & Social Assistance sectors responded by posting large gains in February. Educational Services recovered 600 of the 800 jobs lost in January, and Health Care & Social Assistance added 500 jobs in February after shedding 400 jobs in January. Both sectors are up in the number of jobs over the year, with Health Care & Social Assistance up 800 jobs and Educational Services up 700 jobs.

Also, in February, a gain of 500 jobs was reported in the Financial Activities sector. Since February 2018, employment in Financial Activities is up 200.

Employment in Transportation & Utilities grew by 200 in February, while employment in both Construction and Arts, Entertainment & Recreation sectors grew by 100. Jobs in Transportation & Utilities is up 800 from a year ago while being down in Arts, Entertainment & Recreation (-700) and Construction (-100).

Employment in the Information sector remained unchanged in February but was down 200 from February 2018.