Kamloops' Labour Force
The Kamloops area has a very diverse economy, not dependent on any one industry. The city enjoys a well-educated and diverse labour force of workers who support a wide range of economic sectors. Employers report high satisfaction with the quality of labour in Kamloops based on work ethic, education and work experience levels, and list it as a major factor for locating their business in Kamloops. The affordable, high quality of life in the region appeals to both local graduates as well as relocating professionals.
| Labour Force Participation Rates for Thompson Okanagan | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | |
| (Thousands) | ||||||||||
| Population 15 years+ | 84.3 | 84.3 | 433 | 438.6 | 438.9 | 449.1 | 456.1 | 501.8 | 511.5 | 519.3 |
| Labour Force | ||||||||||
| Total | 56.6 | 57 | 263.5 | 275.3 | 274.1 | 273.9 | 285.2 | 293.1 | 318.6 | 323.0 |
| Employed | 53 | 52.6 | 244.3 | 252.8 | 250.5 | 260.9 | 270.9 | 270.5 | 303.2 | 309.0 |
| Unemployed | 3.5 | 4.4 | 19.2 | 22.5 | 23.6 | 13.0 | 14.3 | 24.7 | 15.5 | 13.1 |
| Not in Labour Force | 27.8 | 27.3 | 169.5 | 163.3 | 164.7 | 175.3 | 171.0 | 182.2 | 192.8 | 196.2 |
| (Percentage) | ||||||||||
| Unemployment Rate | 6.2 | 7.7 | 7.3 | 8.2 | 8.6 | 4.7 | 5.0 | 7.7 | 4.9 | 4.1 |
| Participation Rate | 67.1 | 67.6 | 60.9 | 62.8 | 62.5 | 61.0 | 62.5 | 63.7 | 62.3 | 62.2 |
| Employment Rate | 62.9 | 62.4 | 56.4 | 57.6 | 57.1 | 58.1 | 59.0 | 58.8 | 59.3 | 59.7 |
Source: BC Stats – Labour Force Activity by Selected BC Cities and Stats Canada
