January 8, 2026 3:40 a.m. 

On Wednesday, the Oregon Employment Department released monthly employment and unemployment data for November 2025, after a significant delay due to the federal government shutdown.

An OED release said the state’s unemployment rate was 5.2 percent in November and 5.2 percent in September. The Oregon unemployment rate is not available since underlying data was not collected due to the federal government shutdown that month. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.6 percent in November.

State Employment Economist Gail Krumenauer said in November, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment rose by 1,600 jobs following a loss of 2,000 jobs in October. Krumenauer said November’s gains were largest in leisure and hospitality, and in healthcare and social assistance, which gained 2,100 jobs and 1,000 jobs respectively. Losses were largest in government and information, with losses of 800 jobs and 600 jobs.

OED said leisure and hospitality experienced an uptick in hiring recently, adding 3,900 jobs between July and November, following a stagnant period of unemployment from 2023 through mid-2025. Its component industry, accommodation and food services has been particularly robust, adding 4,900 jobs since July.

Health care and social assistance continued its rapid expansion over the past several years, adding 1,000 jobs or 3.5 percent between November 2024 and November 2025.

The release said government employment cut 2,300 jobs between September and November. Federal government lost 800 jobs during the more recent two months as those taking early retirement incentives were recorded as dropping off payrolls in October.

The information industry cut 1,200 jobs between September and November. At 33,400 total jobs in November, it rapidly declined since reaching a peak of 37,300 jobs three years ago.