The total number of jobs on Guam increased slightly in the preliminary statistics for September 2009, as did private sector employment, but the total job count for all sectors was down by 860 jobs over the latest year.

The private sector job count went from 44,710 in June to 44,860 in September 2009, up 150 jobs. June seasonal employment reductions in educational institutions, and services associated with them, in the private sector were restored in September. However, this September’s resumption did not cause a recovery in the private sector to the prior quarter’s employment level of March 2009. Total private sector employment fell by 1,040 jobs from the period six months ago in March and 1,130 jobs from the comparable period of one year ago in September.

Federal employment decreased by 20 jobs compared to the previous quarter but was up 90 from the prior year’s figures. Government of Guam employment increased slightly, 180 jobs, from the comparable September period a year ago.

Over the latest one year period, total private average hourly earnings increased by $0.72 per hour or 6.3%, but the number of hours paid declined by 0.4 hours per week. Average weekly earnings increased $21.21 per week or 5.2%. Total payroll increased over the year as higher hourly earnings more than offset the decline in jobs and hours worked.

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