Workforce Composition by Status

In the most recent month, Full-time Employment decreased by 6,900 jobs from last month and increased by 19,200 jobs compared to the same month last year.

Part-time Employment increased by 2,000 jobs from last month and remained unchanged year-over-year.

The number of Unemployed individuals increased by 2,600 people from the previous month and increased by 14,400 people compared to last year.

Employment, Unemployment, and Participation Rate

The Employment Rate increased by 3.1 percentage points from a year ago.

The Unemployment Rate increased by 3.8 percentage points from a year ago.

The Participation Rate increased by 5.7 percentage points year-over-year.

Jobs Added or Lost by Month

Employment levels decreased by 4,900 jobs from the previous month and increased by 19,200 jobs compared to the same month last year.

In the most recent month, employment decreased by 4,900 jobs . Over the last year, the labor market has increased by 19,200 jobs .

Top 3 Industries in Goods Sector

• Construction : 31,100 workers.
• Manufacturing : 21,400 workers.
• Forestry, fishing, mining, quarrying, oil and gas : 8,900 workers.

The Goods sector is mainly driven by industries such as Construction, Manufacturing, and Agriculture, which together account for a substantial share of the workforce.

Top 3 Industries in Services Sector

• Wholesale and retail trade : 54,900 workers.
• Health care and social assistance : 44,900 workers.
• Professional, scientific and technical services : 27,100 workers.

In the Services sector, Health Care, Retail, and Professional Services lead employment, representing a dominant portion of the workforce.

Top 5 Industries by Change from Previous Month

• Educational services : Change of 2,000 workers ( decreased by 8.33 %).
• Accommodation and food services : Change of 1,600 workers ( decreased by 7.58 %).
• Transportation and warehousing : Change of 1,300 workers ( decreased by 10.83 %).
• Business, building and other support services : Change of 1,100 workers ( decreased by 11.46 %).
• Forestry, fishing, mining, quarrying, oil and gas : Change of 1,000 workers ( increased by 12.66 %).

These industries saw the largest month-over-month changes, indicating short-term trends.

Top 5 Industries by Change from Same Month Last Year

• Wholesale and retail trade : Change of 10,900 workers ( increased by 24.77 %).
• Health care and social assistance : Change of 7,200 workers ( decreased by 13.82 %).
• Finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing : Change of 6,700 workers ( increased by 57.76 %).
• Information, culture and recreation : Change of 4,700 workers ( increased by 39.5 %).
• Professional, scientific and technical services : Change of 4,600 workers ( increased by 20.44 %).

The year-over-year changes provide insights into longer-term shifts, highlighting industries that have grown or declined significantly.

Conclusion

The overall employment trend is positive, with strong growth in the past year. Key industries driving the trend are: Construction, Wholesale and retail trade, Professional, scientific and technical services, Educational services, Health care and social assistance.

Employment Trends

Total employment in September 2025 was 129,480, showing a subtle increase of 430. versus September, employment levels increased by 6,680, demonstrating resilience.

Employment Rate Dynamics

The employment rate reached 61.4% in September 2025. This represents a rise of 0.2 percentage points from August (61.2%). Year-over-year, the rate improved by 2.2 percentage points from 59.2%.

Unemployment Rate Trends

The unemployment rate was 6.5% in September 2025, down 0.1 percentage points from August. Compared to September last year (4.3%), the rate has increased by 2.2 percentage points.

Employment: Regional vs Local Patterns

The strong correlation (0.94) between regional and local employment levels indicates very similar employment patterns at both geographic levels. This suggests that local employment closely follows regional trends.

Employment Rate: Regional vs Local Patterns

Employment rates show a strong correlation (0.93) between regional and local levels. This indicates strong alignment in workforce participation, suggesting that labor market conditions affect both areas similarly.

Unemployment Rate: Regional vs Local Patterns

The unemployment rate correlation of 0.36 shows a moderate relationship. This suggests some common unemployment drivers, indicating that there is partial alignment in labor market stress.

Kelowna consists of the following communities: Kelowna, Central Okanagan, Lake Country, Peachland, Central Okanagan West, West Kelowna, Duck Lake 7, Tsinstikeptum 9, Tsinstikeptum 10 .