Overall unemployment rate moved down to 4.1% with the biggest shift in Education & Healthcare, which gained 1,300 roles, based on the most recently available information published in December 2021.

Total employment in the Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA market rose by 2,108 jobs in October and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 50 bps to 4.1%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 30 bps over the same time to 4.3%.

  • Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA unemployment rate is 16 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 130 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) declined in October versus prior month by -0.9% and are down compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA Unemployment October 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 1.0% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 75,100; +1,200
  • Education & Healthcare: 60,100; +1,300
  • Government: 57,800; +300
  • Business Services: 50,000; +400
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 27,200; no change
  • Manufacturing: 22,200; +200
  • Financial Services: 20,600; no change
  • Other Jobs: 14,700; +100
  • Construction, Mining: 12,800; +100
  • IT & Development: 3,100; -100
Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA Unemployment by Industry October 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through October 2021 (Data published December 2021 and reports created on December 2, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.