But export receipts from apples have grown 80 per cent since 2010 and are expected to double within five years thanks to new markets and varieties.
Nationally, job advertisements rose 2.1 per cent more than September last year.
Auckland advertisements were up 7.7 per cent, Canterbury down 10.6 per cent and Wellington down 10.2 per cent.
Hawke's Bay Chamber of Commerce chief executive Wayne Walford said there was a widespread positive attitude in the region and it was heartening to see it reflected in jobs.
The survey report author, ANZ senior economist Sharon Zollner, said the figures likely reflected a good year for pipfruit and tourism. "However, annual growth looks likely to have topped out," she said.
Mr Walford disagreed, saying: "We have potential to burn here.
"If you want to see better opportunities for your family we need more people here and more jobs," he said.
Earlier this month, TradeMe figures mirrored this trend. It revealed local listings were up 5.9 per cent in the three months to the end of September, compared to the same time last year. Applications for advertised jobs were also up 13.3 per cent.
Nationally, roles advertised across the country were up only 1.2 per cent in the quarter compared to the previous year with the biggest lifts in Hawke's Bay, Bay of Plenty and Auckland.
Asked if the job scene in Hawke's Bay was strong, Kelly Services managing consultant Caroline Kermode responded: "Absolutely and it's across all industries."
"What we are seeing is a surge in the electrical, medical and of course due to the summer season ahead, the catering industry including wineries," she said.
"We have noticed more roles becoming available in the upper management levels as well as a strong demand for skilled temporary labour. Not only are there more roles appearing, there are definitely more skilled people filling those roles quicker than before."
