After adding 600 net new jobs in Q4 of 2010, the securities industry did even better during the first quarter of 2011.  Employment rose another 0.3%, for a net increase of 2,200 jobs.  The securities industry's strong showing came as the rest of country's job force experienced a drop - e.g., U.S. nonfarm employment fell by 1.1 million jobs, or 0.9%, in the latest quarter.

As of 3/31/11, the securities industry employed some 806,500 persons - the highest figure since June 2009, when employment stood at 808,700 jobs.  The industry, however, remains 7.8% below its all-time high of 874,500 jobs, which was achieved in June 2008.

        Demographics.  All told, the tri-state area - New York, Connecticut, New Jersey - represents a third of the industry's employment nationwide, with 260,800 jobs.  For the first quarter of 2011, this region accounted for 900 of the 2,200 net new securities-related jobs throughout the country.  By comparison, the tri-state securities industry gained some 4,300 jobs in the 4th quarter of 2010, and lost 2,400 jobs in the first quarter of 2010.  [SIFMA Research, 5/4/11]