California Unemployment Rate Hits 5.1%, Job Growth Surpasses National Average

The state of California reported an unemployment rate of 5.1% in August 2026, marking a decline of 0.4% from the same period last year.

According to data released by the Employment Development Department (EDD), California added 39,400 nonfarm payroll jobs in August, exceeding the nation's job growth for the month by over 24%.

The largest gains were seen in the Private Education & Health Services sector, which added 18,600 jobs, followed closely by Government services with a gain of 9,800 jobs.