Hudson Valley Jobless Rates Approach 3 Percent

PELHAM, NY — Unemployment rates in the Hudson Valley dropped a full percentage point between September 2017 and September 2018, according to the New York Department of Labor. Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Ulster and Westchester counties had unemployment rates ranging from 3.4 percent to 3.6 percent last month.

The region's jobless rates, which is one economic indicator among many, were lower even than the U.S. average of 3.7 percent — and that was the lowest in September than it has been at any time since 1969.

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Even this low, the six Hudson Valley counties weren't low enough to get onto the Labor Department's list of counties with the lowest rates.

The counties in New York State with the lowest unemployment rates in September 2018 include:

• Columbia County (2.8%)
• Saratoga County (3.1%)
• Seneca County (3.1%)
• Yates County (3.1%)
• Wyoming County (3.2%)
• Genesee County (3.3%)
• Nassau County (3.3%)
• Ontario County (3.3%)
• Tompkins County (3.3%)

However, they weren't far behind.

• Dutchess (3.4%)
• Orange (3.6%)
• Putnam (3.4%)
• Rockland (3.5%)
• Ulster (3.4%)
• Westchester (3.6%)

In the past 12 months, the metro areas in the lower Hudson Valley saw a full percentage point drop.

• Dutchess-Putnam to 3.4 percent from 4.4 percent
• Kingston to 3.4 from 4.4 percent
• Orange-Rockland-Westchester to 3.6 from 4.6 percent

Though the job market is now very tight, workers' wages have not gone up as has happened in the past, economists say.

Still, it's good news for people looking for jobs. Here are some local opportunities:

• Stocker - Costco Wholesale: Nanuet
• Office Assistant - Woodmont Day Camp: New City
• Bakery Assistant - Baked by Susan: Croton-on-Hudson
• Clerk - Nyack Library: Nyack
• Data Entry Clerk - A Starting Place: Pearl River
• Bookseller - Temporary - Barnes & Noble: Poughkeepsie
• Gift Shop Assistant - Orange Regional Medical Center: Middletown
• Merchandise Stocking - Early AM - Michaels: Brewster
• Team Members - Meat Cutters, Prepared Foods - Whole Foods Market: Katonah
• Medical Assistant/Front Desk Associate- PhysicianOne Urgent Care: Somers
• Bakery Assistant - Dam Good™ English Muffins: Peekskill
• Office Assistant - Fantasy Flash Studios: Briarcliff Manor
• Team Members - Whole Foods Market: Chappaqua
• Data Entry Clerk - Benchmark Education Company: New Rochelle
• Front Desk Receptionist - Cohen & Kramer MD: Scarsdale
• Hospital Admitting Registrar - POM I LLC: Valhalla
• Sales Associate/Cashier - Jewelry/Gift Dept. - Rye Ridge Pharmacy: Rye Brook
• Membership Assistant- Costco Wholesale: Port Chester
• Line Chefs - Sedona Taphouse: Mamaroneck
• Cashier / Sales Team Member- Michaels: Pelham
• Front Desk Receptionist - Spine Options: West Harrison
• Seasonal Sales Associate, Part Time - Bloomingdale's: White Plains

Image via Shutterstock

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