California Labor Report – April 2026
(From the Latest Data from February 2025 – March data arrives May 1, 2026)
Each month, Star Staffing, a Northern California-based staffing agency, compiles new data and shares expert insights on the state of hiring in California. This labor report covers the most recent employment data from February 2026.
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A Note from Star Staffing’s CEO
Every February, the California Employment Development Department (EDD) delays its release of state employment data as it tackles its annual revision process. Typically, this means no report in February, with annual and monthly data coming in March.
This year, however, the EDD has announced plans to further delay its release due to the partial federal shutdown. New data will now be announced on May 1, 2026.
While we wait, you can review the most recent data available from both California and the U.S. below. We’ve also updated the Hiring & Work Culture News section of our report with fresh articles, including some Bay Area-specific new items.
As always, if you’re currently in need of hiring support, Star Staffing is here to connect you to the right talent for high-demand industries and roles. Reach out to us.
We look forward to digging into the new numbers in early April. Until then, take a look at the articles we published this month: Wage-and-Hour Compliance Is Still the #1 Hidden Risk for California Employers and 4 Things We Look for in a Forklift Operator Candidate (And Why It Matters).
– Lisa Lichty, Owner & CEO
Included in this Report
- California labor highlights (unemployment rates, industry details, etc.)
- This month’s work culture news
- Detailed Report: California unemployment rates by county
- California labor law news and policy changes (if applicable)
- Great reads and resources
California Labor Market Highlights
Statewide: 5.4% (seasonally adjusted)
MoM: Same
YoY: Same
California Highlights:
- California Unemployment Rate: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in February 2026 was 5.4%, about the same as last month. We’re eager to see what the March numbers look like when they’re released next week. (source: EDD)
- The EDD also reports that the month-over-month job loss for February 2026 was the first time since September 2025 that California experienced a month-over-month nonfarm job loss. The report attributes this a strike in the private education and health services sector.
Around the U.S.:
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the U.S. unemployment rate at 4.3% for March 2026. (Source: Employment Situation Summary)
- In February, job openings held relatively steady at 6.9 million, while hires declined to 4.8 million and the quits rate edged down — signaling a lower-churn, more cautious hiring environment. (source)
Hiring & Work Culture News:
- Small business data from NFIB shows 32% of small business owners reported job openings they couldn’t fill in March, and 87% said they found few or no qualified applicants — pointing to a persistent talent gap despite a moderated overall job market, according to Robert Half. (If you’re struggling with a similar situation in Northern California, we can help.)
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New grads are finding jobs faster despite a competitive hiring environment, CNBC reports. Employers expect to hire 5.6% more new college graduates in 2026 compared to last year, and internship postings are up 32% year-over-year — though the unemployment rate for recent grads hit 9.7% in late 2025. This is especially relevant for companies seeking entry-level talent.
- Layoffs in 2026 will hit six states the hardest — and California was number one. With more than 20,000 workers affected so far — concentrated in tech, healthcare, and retail, including major cuts at Oracle and Snap — many of California’s most talented are seeking immediate employment, according to Newsweek.
More From the Team at Star Staffing:
Here are a few of the articles we published on hiring trends and California labor last month.
Northern California Unemployment Rates by County
*Note: Not seasonally adjusted.
Alameda County: 4.5%
Alameda, Oakland, Hayward, Berkeley, San Leandro, Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin
Marin County: 4.1%
Larkspur, Mill Valley, Novato, San Rafael
Napa County: 4.6%
Napa, Yountville, St. Helena, Calistoga, American Canyon, Angwin
Sacramento County: 5.0%
Sacramento, Elk Grove, Rancho Cordova, Folsom, Citrus Heights, Fair Oaks
San Joaquin County: 6.8%
Stockton, Lodi, Tracy, Manteca, Ripon, Lathrop
Sonoma County: 4.4%
Sonoma, Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Healdsburg, Rohnert Park, Sebastopol, Windsor, Bodega Bay
Solano County: 5.4%
Fairfield, Vacaville, Vallejo, Benicia, Suisun City, Dixon, Rio Vista
Stanislaus County: 7.4%
Ceres, Modesto, Oakdale, Patterson, Riverbank, Salida, Turlock
Yolo County: 6.2%
Davis, West Sacramento, Woodland
Note: For Southern California unemployment rates, see edd.ca.gov.
California Labor Law/Policy Changes (2026)
Minimum Wage Increase
The state’s minimum hourly wage increased to $16.90/hour as of January 1, 2026 (up from $16.50/hour in 2025). This hourly increase also affects the minimum salary requirements for full-time exempt employees. As of January 1, 2026, the minimum salary for a full-time exempt employee is $70,304 per year. Read our full report here.
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Star Staffing is a woman-owned, award-winning recruiting and temp hiring firm with 6 branch locations throughout California.