Bay Area, California both lose jobs in April, South Bay is bright spot
Both the Bay Area and California lost jobs during April, but the South Bay was one of the bright spots as this region wrestles with ongoing staffing cutbacks in the crucial technology industry.
The Bay Area shed 700 jobs in April, according to a new report from the state labor agency.
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The hiring setbacks in the Bay Area last month were triggered primarily by a loss of 1,200 jobs in the San Francisco-San Mateo area, the state Employment Development Department reported. The East Bay lost 100 positions in April.
The South Bay was a rare bright spot for this region, gaining 500 jobs in April. The South Bay has gained jobs for 10 consecutive months, this news organization’s review of the EDD reports determined.
In the North Bay, Sonoma County added 300 jobs and Solano County gained 100 jobs. Napa County’s job totals remained unchanged, while Marin County lost 300 jobs, according to the state EDD report. All of the statewide and Bay Area numbers were adjusted for seasonal volatility.
California lost 3,300 jobs in April, continuing an uneven year for the Golden State’s employment picture. California gained jobs in January, lost jobs in February, and bounced back with job gains in March prior to April’s setback.
The hiring roller coaster in California has produced a net gain of 97,200 jobs in the state so far in 2026.
RELATED: Meta slashes 8,000 jobs, or 10% of its workforce
The statewide unemployment rate was unchanged at 5.3% in April.
California, however, is among the worst of the worst when it comes to jobless rates. The 5.3% figure left California tied with Nevada and Delaware for the highest unemployment rates among the 50 states.
In a hopeful sign for the Bay Area, officials issued an upward revision in the region’s job results for March.
The state EDD originally calculated that the Bay Area lost 3,500 jobs in March. The latest estimate shows the Bay Area actually gained 1,900 jobs that month.
On the other hand, tech companies continue to disclose plans for layoffs in the Bay Area. The effects of the tech industry’s staffing reductions on the Bay Area economy continue to play out.
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This story was originally published May 22, 2026 at 8:28 AM.