The unemployment rate in the District of Columbia for September was down 0.1 percent from the revised August rate of 9.9% reported the District of Columbia’s Department of Employment Services. The number of jobs increased by 7,700  in September. The September national unemployment rate was 9.6 percent, unchanged from the revised rate in August 2010.

At 718,200, jobs are up 22,500 or 3.2 percent from a year ago.  Over the year, Federal Government registered the most job gains, while Other Services in the private sector, registered most of the over-the-year job losses.

Employment Overview
Professional and Business Services gained 500 jobs, after a 2,100 job loss in August. With employment at 156,800, jobs are up 11,200 or 7.7 percent from a year ago.

Educational and Health Services gained 6,300 jobs, after a loss of 500 jobs the prior month. With employment at 104,900, jobs are up 2,100 or 2.0 percent from a year ago.

Leisure and Hospitality gained 800 jobs following a loss of 800 jobs in August. With employment at 59,300, jobs are up 1,400 or 2.4 percent over the year.

Other Services had no over-the-month change, after a loss of 1,400 jobs the prior month. At 62,800, employment is down 1,400 or -2.2 percent from a year ago.

Financial Activities lost 100 jobs, after gaining 100 jobs the prior month. With employment at 26,100, jobs are down 300 or -1.1 percent from a year ago.

Information lost 100 jobs, after gaining 100 jobs in August. At 18,600, employment is down 100 or -0.5 percent from one year ago.

Construction gained 100 jobs, after a gain of 400 jobs in August. At 11,700, employment is up 600 or 5.4 percent from a year ago.

Trade, Transportation, and Utilities gained 100 jobs, after a loss of 300 jobs in August. With employment at 27,100, the sector is up 300 jobs or 1.1 percent from a year ago.

Manufacturing had no over-the-month job change.  Employment in manufacturing has remained constant.  With employment at 1,300, this sector is down 100 jobs or -7.1 percent from a year ago.  Manufacturing is the smallest sector in the District accounting for less than 0.2 percent of total payroll employment.

Labor Force Overview
The District’s labor force decreased by 800 in September, the number of residents employed decreased by 500, and a decrease in the number of unemployed residents by 400.  At 331,000, the labor force was down 800 from September 2009, with 3,500 more residents employed and 4,300 less residents unemployed.

The unemployment rate is based on a monthly sample of households, while the job estimates are derived from a monthly sample survey of employers. As a result, the two statistics may exhibit different trends.

NOTES: The October 2010 unemployment rate and survey of jobs data for the District will be released on Tuesday, November 23, 2010. Historical jobs and labor force estimates for District of Columbia and detailed labor market information is available at: http://www.does.dc.gov/does/cwp/view,a,1233,q,538345,doesNav,|32064|.asp .

Data reflects 2009 annual benchmark revisions.

Wage and Salary Employment by Industry and Place of Work*

Employment Status for the Civilian Population*