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