Overall unemployment rate moved up to 6.7% with the biggest shift in Education & Healthcare, which lost 2,100 roles, based on the most recently available information published in July 2021.

Total employment in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ market rose by 736 jobs in June and the unemployment rate increased compared to the prior month by 80 bps to 6.7%. The national unemployment rate increased by 60 bps over the same time to 6.1%.

  • Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ unemployment rate is 61 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 750 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in June versus prior month by 3% and are down compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Unemployment June 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs declined by -0.1%. Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 87,200; no change
  • Education & Healthcare: 74,000; -2,100
  • Business Services: 46,500; +200
  • Manufacturing: 39,200; +800
  • Government: 38,400; -300
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 35,000; +600
  • Construction, Mining: 13,800; +100
  • Financial Services: 13,200; -100
  • Other Jobs: 13,200; +200
  • IT & Development: 4,800; +100
Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Unemployment by Industry June 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through June 2021 (Data published July 2021 and reports created on July 28, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.