Unemployment rate drops to 3.2%; private sector dipped, while GovGuam employment grew over a year

By Pacific Island Times News Staff

Guam’s unemployment rate dropped to 3.2 percent in June 2025, a decrease of .8 percent from a year earlier, and .7 percent from December 2024, the lowest ever recorded in the past seven years, reflecting continued improvement in the labor market and overall employment conditions.

“Although the unemployment rate shows noteworthy improvement, our work to create jobs, put more people into meaningful career pathways, and improve the economy does not stop. We know small businesses continue to struggle,” acting Gov. Josh Tenorio said.

The June 2025 preliminary statistics show a decrease of 470 jobs over the year and a decline of 360 in the latest quarter. The most significant private sector employment reductions over the year were in construction, which saw a decrease of 900, the majority of whom were H-2 workers.

Private employment went from 52,280 in June 2024 to 51,350 in June this year. The decline in private sector jobs was offset by a 4.3 percent increase in the government of Guam employment within the same period, from 11,810 to 12,320, showing an increase of 510 over a year.

Gary Hiles, chief economist at the labor department, said Guam’s unemployment rate has continued to decline.

"Since September 2024, Guam’s unemployment rate has declined to a rate below that of the United States average and remained below it," he said.

"The comparable seasonally unadjusted June 2025 unemployment rate in the U.S. was 4.4 percent. The U.S. seasonally adjusted unemployment rate has remained in a narrow range of 4.0 percent to 4.2 percent since May 2024,” he added.

According to the June 2025 Unemployment Situation Report issued by the Guam Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, the lower rate reflected both a decrease in the number of persons unemployed and a decrease in the number of persons out of the labor force compared to June 2024. 

The current employment report further showed that workers on Guam are seeing higher earnings. In comparison to the previous year, average hourly earnings rose from $18.31 to $18.72.

In June this year, the Department of Youth Affairs Summer Youth Employment Program was included in payroll figures.

“These figures indicate that our innovative approaches to workforce development—starting with our youth—are making a real impact,” Tenorio said.

“Through DYA’s Summer Youth Employment Program, we provide paid internships to high school students in partnership with government of Guam agencies. At the same time, our collaboration with the private sector through the Year-Round In-School Youth Program gives students another pathway to explore careers, build skills, and gain the confidence they need to succeed in Guam’s workforce.”

Gerard Toves, acting labor director, pointed to apprenticeship and training opportunities as the proven formula for workforce development.

“Our mission is to connect people with opportunities that lead to lasting careers,” said Toves. “Whether it’s through apprenticeship, youth programs, or job readiness training, we are committed to helping workers gain skills they need.”

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