Overall unemployment rate moved down to 4.8% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 19,700 roles, based on the most recently available information published in September 2021.

Total employment in the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ market rose by 12,058 jobs in August and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 90 bps to 4.8%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 38 bps over the same time to 5.3%.

  • Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ unemployment rate is 49 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 190 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in August versus prior month by 4.3% and are up compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ Unemployment August 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 1.5% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 438,400; -500
  • Business Services: 379,500; +3,800
  • Education & Healthcare: 355,000; +7,500
  • Government: 238,000; +19,700
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 216,700; +2,500
  • Financial Services: 206,800; -900
  • Construction, Mining: 140,800; +1,200
  • Manufacturing: 136,600; +100
  • Other Jobs: 69,300; +200
  • IT & Development: 36,200; -1,400
Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ Unemployment by Industry August 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through August 2021 (Data published September 2021 and reports created on September 29, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.