Nova Scotia, May 2025 - Job market snapshot

Get a snapshot of key facts about the state of Nova Scotia's labour market in the past month.

Employment in Nova Scotia rose by 7,100 (+1.4%) over the last 12 months, including a gain of 10,600 (+2.1%) in the last month. Full-time employment has grown over the last month. The labour force (those working or looking for work) grew by 7,400 people (+1.3%) this month, which is 7,600 (+1.4%) higher than a year ago. The province's unemployment rate declined moderately to 6.5% in May from 7.2% the previous month.

Nova Scotia's job market by the numbers

Working population

527,000

Up 2.1% since April

Unemployment rate

6.5%

Down -0.7 pts since April

Source: Statistics Canada - Table 14-10-0287-01 - Labour force characteristics, monthly, seasonally adjusted and trend-cycle, last 5 months

Industries in focus

Transportation and warehousing

Number of jobs increased 4.6%

April23,700

May24,800

Employment in the transportation and warehousing industry has grown by 1,100 jobs (+4.6%) over the last month.

Wholesale and retail trade

Number of jobs increased 3.6%

April77,900

May80,700

In May, employment increased by 2,800 jobs (+3.6%) in the wholesale and retail trade industry compared to the previous month.

Educational services

Number of jobs decreased -1.7%

April41,700

May41,000

Job growth in the educational services industry has been negative each month since March 2025. Employment in the sector decreased by 700 jobs (-1.7%) over the last month.

Source: Statistics Canada - Table 14-10-0355-02 - Employment by industry, monthly, seasonally adjusted (x 1,000)

Unemployment rate by region

Annapolis Valley
6.3%
Cape Breton
10.2%
Halifax
5.9%
North Shore
8.8%
Southern
5.9%

The unemployment rate was lowest in Halifax and highest in Cape Breton.

Source: Labour Market Indicators: By province, territory and economic region, unadjusted for seasonality

A closer look at some regions

Cape Breton

57,800 people employed

Up 6.1% since May 2024

Employment in Cape Breton grew over the last year, as the number of jobs grew by 3,300 (+6.1%). Full-time employment hiked by 3,900 over the last year, while part-time employment declined by 500. The labour force (those working or looking for work) grew by 3,700 (+6.1%) compared to a year ago. The province's unemployment rate declined moderately over the last 12 months, as it fell from 10.4% to 10.2%. What else is happening in this region?

North Shore

71,400 people employed

Up 2.1% since May 2024

The number of jobs in North Shore increased by 1,500 (+2.1%) over the last 12 months. Part-time employment jumped by 1,300 (+10.6%) over the last year. The labour force (those working or looking for work) was up by 3,700 (+5.0%) compared to a year ago. The region's unemployment rate grew to 8.8% in May from 6.3% the same month the year prior. What else is happening in this region?

Annapolis Valley

59,800 people employed

Down -7.1% since May 2024

The number of jobs in Annapolis Valley declined by 4,600 (-7.1%) over the last 12 months. The majority of the decline in employment this year is due to loss of part-time employment. The labour force (those working or looking for work) dropped by 4,100 (-6.0%) compared to a year ago. The region's unemployment rate grew to 6.3% in May from 5.2% the same month the year prior. What else is happening in this region?

Last data refresh: 2025-06-12 23:03:24

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