Overall unemployment rate moved down to 3.5% with the biggest shift in Transportation & Utilities, which gained 3,000 roles, based on the most recently available information published in December 2021.

Total employment in the Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA market rose by 1,775 jobs in November and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 70 bps to 3.5%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 37 bps over the same time to 3.9%.

  • Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA unemployment rate is 39 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 200 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in November versus prior month by 0.6% and are up compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA Unemployment November 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 1.2% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 78,200; +3,000
  • Education & Healthcare: 60,000; no change
  • Government: 58,000; +200
  • Business Services: 50,700; +800
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 27,600; +200
  • Manufacturing: 22,300; +100
  • Financial Services: 20,800; +200
  • Other Jobs: 14,600; -100
  • Construction, Mining: 12,500; -300
  • IT & Development: 3,200; no change
Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA Unemployment by Industry November 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through November 2021 (Data published December 2021 and reports created on January 6, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.