Oregon’s unemployment rate was 5.2% in each of the first four months of 2026. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.3% in both March and April.  In April, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment rose by 500 jobs, following a loss of 4,300 jobs, as revised, in March. April’s gains were largest in health care and social assistance (+1,900 jobs) and construction (+800). Losses were largest in professional and business services (-1,000 jobs); financial activities (-900); and retail trade (-800).  Health care and social assistance grew rapidly in the past 12 months, adding 12,500 jobs, or 4.0%. During the past four years, the sector grew rapidly and consistently, adding a total of 58,100 jobs, or 21.7%, since April 2022. In the past 12 months, each of its component industries grew quickly: social assistance (+5,500 jobs, or 6.6%); nursing and residential care facilities (+2,800 jobs, or 4.7%); ambulatory health care services (+2,500 jobs, or 2.3%); and hospitals (+800 jobs, or 1.2%).  Professional and business services continued to shed jobs at a pace similar to the past three years. This major industry cut 9,300 jobs, or 3.6%, in the past 12 months. Losses were large in each of its three component industries: administrative and waste services (-4,300 jobs, or 4.4%); professional and technical services (-3,200 jobs, or -2.9%); and management of companies and enterprises (-1,800 jobs, or -3.7%).  Manufacturing employment dropped 400 jobs in April, following steep losses over the prior three years. In the past 12 months, durable goods manufacturing cut 5,500 jobs, or 4.4%, while nondurable goods manufacturing cut 1,500 jobs, or 2.7%.