September Industry Snapshot: A Mixed Picture Across Industries in the Oshawa CMA
Employment in the Oshawa Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) remained above last year’s level in September 2026, despite a decline from the previous month. Durham Workforce Authority’s latest Employment by Industry report shows differing trends across sectors, with gains in wholesale and retail trade, finance and transportation alongside declines in education and manufacturing.
Total employment stood at 256,400, down 3,100 from the previous month but up 3,100 compared with September 2025. These figures highlight why looking at both monthly and annual changes is important when assessing the local labour market.
The largest industries continued to record monthly gains
Wholesale and retail trade remained the largest industry by employment, with 38,500 people employed. Employment in the sector increased by 1,400 from the previous month and by 3,200 compared with September 2025.
Health care and social assistance followed with 28,200 people employed. While employment edged up by 100 from the previous month, it remained 2,100 below its level a year earlier.
Finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing employed 25,000 people, an increase of 700 from the previous month and 3,100 year over year.
Together, these three industry groups accounted for approximately 36 per cent of total employment reported for the Oshawa CMA.
Annual changes varied across sectors
Beyond the three largest industry groups, several sectors recorded higher employment than in September 2025. Transportation and warehousing added 2,500 employed people, while accommodation and food services increased by 1,900. Professional, scientific and technical services grew by 1,800, reaching total employment of 22,300.
Business, building and other support services, along with information, culture and recreation, each recorded annual increases of 1,700.
Other industries experienced declines. Educational services recorded the largest year-over-year decrease shown in the report, with employment down 8,300 to 18,100. Manufacturing employment fell by 3,800 to 15,700, while public administration declined by 1,600 to 14,800. Utilities employment remained unchanged at 8,100.
These differences show that overall employment growth can occur alongside substantial changes within individual industries.
Understanding what the numbers tell us
The report uses Statistics Canada employment estimates presented as three-month moving averages, unadjusted for seasonality. This means the September figures reflect a three-month period rather than September alone, and seasonal employment patterns can influence the results.
Employment estimates also measure how many people are employed; they do not measure current job vacancies or explain the reasons behind changes. An increase in employment should therefore be considered alongside other information when assessing hiring opportunities or workforce needs.
Using local data to support decisions
For job seekers, industry trends can provide a starting point for exploring career options and identifying where to investigate opportunities. Employers, educators and employment service providers can use the findings to inform discussions about training, recruitment and workforce planning.
September’s results reinforce the value of looking beyond the overall employment total. Understanding which industries are growing, declining or remaining stable helps build a more complete picture of the labour market.
Explore Durham Workforce Authority’s September 2026 Employment by Industry report for a closer look at employment across the Oshawa CMA.
Source: Statistics Canada, Table 14-10-0379-01. Data compiled by Durham Workforce Authority.