Workforce Composition by Status

In the most recent month, Full-time Employment increased by 1,900 jobs from last month and increased by 12,500 jobs compared to the same month last year.

Part-time Employment decreased by 1,500 jobs from last month and decreased by 7,600 jobs year-over-year.

The number of Unemployed individuals increased by 700 people from the previous month and increased by 1,500 people compared to last year.

Employment, Unemployment, and Participation Rate

The Employment Rate increased by 1.3 percentage points from a year ago.

The Unemployment Rate increased by 0.8 percentage points from a year ago.

The Participation Rate increased by 2.1 percentage points year-over-year.

Jobs Added or Lost by Month

Employment levels increased by 400 jobs from the previous month and increased by 4,900 jobs compared to the same month last year.

In the most recent month, employment increased by 400 jobs . Over the last year, the labor market has increased by 4,900 jobs .

Top 3 Industries in Goods Sector

• Construction : 10,900 workers.
• Manufacturing : 10,900 workers.
• Forestry, fishing, mining, quarrying, oil and gas : 10,100 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 : 20,200 workers.
• Health care and social assistance : 13,400 workers.
• Accommodation and food services : 8,400 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 1,800 workers ( increased by 36.73 %).
• Health care and social assistance : Change of 1,600 workers ( decreased by 10.67 %).
• Public administration : Change of 1,200 workers ( decreased by 19.67 %).
• Agriculture : Change of 1,100 workers ( increased by 20 %).
• Manufacturing : Change of 1,100 workers ( decreased by 9.17 %).

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

Top 5 Industries by Change from Same Month Last Year

• Agriculture : Change of 4,300 workers ( increased by 186.96 %).
• Manufacturing : Change of 3,900 workers ( increased by 55.71 %).
• Health care and social assistance : Change of 3,800 workers ( decreased by 22.09 %).
• Other services (except public administration) : Change of 3,000 workers ( decreased by 37.5 %).
• Accommodation and food services : Change of 1,700 workers ( increased by 25.37 %).

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: Forestry, fishing, mining, quarrying, oil and gas, Construction, Manufacturing, Wholesale and retail trade, Health care and social assistance.

Employment Trends

Total employment in August 2025 was 42,960, showing a subtle increase of 180. from August, employment levels showed an uptick of 300, demonstrating resilience.

Employment Rate Dynamics

The employment rate reached 61.3% in August 2025. This represents a rise of 0.1 percentage points from July (61.2%). Year-over-year, the rate decreased by 0.5 percentage points from 61.8%.

Unemployment Rate Trends

The unemployment rate was 7.1% in August 2025, up 1.1 percentage points from July. Compared to August last year (6.8%), the rate has increased by 0.3 percentage points.

Employment: Regional vs Local Patterns

The strong correlation (0.82) 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 (0.75) 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 -0.01 shows a weak relationship. This points to distinct local unemployment dynamics, indicating that local unemployment follows its own distinct pattern.

Red Deer County consists of the following communities: Combined Red Deer County Areas .