Governor DeSantis Announces the Tampa Area Gained the Third Highest Number of Private Sector Jobs Over the Year in March 2022

Tampa, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the Tampa area gained the third highest number of private sector jobs of all metro areas in the state, adding 72,100 new private sector jobs over the year, a 5.9 percent increase. The Tampa area’s labor force in March 2022 grew by 58,985 over the year, a 3.8 percent increase. Tampa’s unemployment rate was 2.5 percent in March 2022, down from 4.8 percent reported in March 2021.

The industries gaining the most jobs over the year were leisure and hospitality (+19,600 jobs); trade, transportation, and utilities (+16,600 jobs); and professional and business services (+15,400 jobs). In March 2022, the Tampa metro area led all metro areas in job gains over the year in financial activities and manufacturing.

Florida’s statewide unemployment rate dropped to 3.2 percent in March 2022, marking the 16^th consecutive month the state’s unemployment rate has been lower than the national rate, which is currently 3.6 percent. Florida’s labor force is experiencing steady growth, growing by 325,000, or 3.2 percent, over the year, faster than the national labor force growth rate of 2.4 percent. As of March 2022, Florida employers added jobs for the 23^rd consecutive month, and Florida outpaced the nation in private sector job growth for the 12^th consecutive month.

Data in the month of March continues to indicate there are many job opportunities available for Floridians throughout the state, with nearly 510,000 jobs posted online. Floridians in search of work and new job opportunities are encouraged to turn to the CareerSource Florida network for help. Floridians can find guidance on how to register with Employ Florida and search listings of available local job openings. Career seekers also can improve their employability by perfecting resume writing and interviewing skills, establishing career goals, and pursuing customized career training. These services are provided at no cost to job seekers.

To view the statewide March 2022 employment data, visit www.floridajobs.org/labor-market-information/labor-market-information-press-releases/monthly-press-releases.  

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