Orange County’s unemployment rate was 3.8% in October, up from a revised 3.7% in September but down from 4% a year ago, the Employment Development Department said Friday.
Total OC nonfarm employment rose by 18,300 jobs in the past 12 months for a 1.2% increase.
In the past year, the professional and business services sector posted the largest payroll growth, up 9,800 jobs.
The trade, transportation and utilities sectors added 3,200 jobs during the past year.
Between September and October, the county recorded 4,800 new jobs for a total nonfarm payroll of 1,491,500.
The largest increase was reported in the government sector, which added 5,600 jobs.
The state Employment Development Department said the increase was a product of public education at the state and local level increasing staffing following the summer recess.
California’s unemployment rate was 5% in October, with the nation’s rate pegged at 4.6%.
