Workforce Composition by Status

In the most recent month, Full-time Employment increased by 2,200 jobs from last month and decreased by 6,100 jobs compared to the same month last year.

Part-time Employment decreased by 2,800 jobs from last month and increased by 2,200 jobs year-over-year.

The number of Unemployed individuals increased by 2,500 people from the previous month and increased by 9,500 people compared to last year.

Employment, Unemployment, and Participation Rate

The Employment Rate decreased by 1.3 percentage points from a year ago.

The Unemployment Rate increased by 1.9 percentage points from a year ago.

The Participation Rate decreased by 0.2 percentage points year-over-year.

Jobs Added or Lost by Month

Employment levels decreased by 600 jobs from the previous month and decreased by 3,800 jobs compared to the same month last year.

In the most recent month, employment decreased by 600 jobs . Over the last year, the labor market has decreased by 3,800 jobs .

Top 3 Industries in Goods Sector

• Construction : 43,900 workers.
• Manufacturing : 17,600 workers.
• Forestry, fishing, mining, quarrying, oil and gas : 9,500 workers.

The Goods sector is mainly driven by industries such as Construction, Manufacturing, and Agriculture, which together account for a substantial share of the workforce.

Top 3 Industries in Services Sector

• Health care and social assistance : 84,300 workers.
• Wholesale and retail trade : 65,700 workers.
• Public administration : 48,900 workers.

In the Services sector, Health Care, Retail, and Professional Services lead employment, representing a dominant portion of the workforce.

Top 5 Industries by Change from Previous Month

• Educational services : Change of 3,200 workers ( decreased by 8.21 %).
• Manufacturing : Change of 2,100 workers ( decreased by 10.66 %).
• Wholesale and retail trade : Change of 2,100 workers ( decreased by 3.1 %).
• Health care and social assistance : Change of 1,800 workers ( decreased by 2.09 %).
• Information, culture and recreation : Change of 1,500 workers ( increased by 8.82 %).

These industries saw the largest month-over-month changes, indicating short-term trends.

Top 5 Industries by Change from Same Month Last Year

• Accommodation and food services : Change of 7,700 workers ( decreased by 18.2 %).
• Health care and social assistance : Change of 7,000 workers ( increased by 9.06 %).
• Information, culture and recreation : Change of 5,900 workers ( decreased by 24.18 %).
• Wholesale and retail trade : Change of 5,800 workers ( increased by 9.68 %).
• Professional, scientific and technical services : Change of 5,700 workers ( decreased by 13.04 %).

The year-over-year changes provide insights into longer-term shifts, highlighting industries that have grown or declined significantly.

Conclusion

Employment has seen a decline over the year, highlighting some challenges in the job market. Key industries driving the trend are: Construction, Wholesale and retail trade, Professional, scientific and technical services, Health care and social assistance, Public administration.

Employment Trends

Total employment in May 2025 was 238,670, showing a significant increase of 6,350. compared to May, employment levels rose by 20, maintaining momentum.

Employment Rate Dynamics

The employment rate reached 62.7% in May 2025. This represents a rise of 1.6 percentage points from April (61.1%). Year-over-year, the rate decreased by 1.2 percentage points from 63.9%.

Unemployment Rate Trends

The unemployment rate was 4.7% in May 2025, up 0.7 percentage points from April. Compared to May last year (4.7%), the rate has decreased by 0.0 percentage points.

Employment: Regional vs Local Patterns

The moderate correlation (0.69) between regional and local employment levels indicates some alignment in employment trends. This suggests that local employment partially reflects regional patterns.

Employment Rate: Regional vs Local Patterns

Employment rates show a strong correlation (0.75) between regional and local levels. This indicates strong alignment in workforce participation, suggesting that labor market conditions affect both areas similarly.

Unemployment Rate: Regional vs Local Patterns

The unemployment rate correlation of 0.22 shows a weak relationship. This points to distinct local unemployment dynamics, indicating that local unemployment follows its own distinct pattern.

Victoria consists of the following communities: North Saanich, Sidney, Central Saanich, Saanich, Oak Bay, Victoria, Esquimalt, Colwood, Metchosin, Langford, View Royal, Highlands, Sooke, Juan de Fuca (Part 1), Cole Bay 3, Union Bay 4, East Saanich 2, South Saanich 1, Becher Bay 1, Esquimalt, New Songhees 1A, T'Sou-ke .