Overall unemployment rate moved down to 2.4% with the biggest shift in Business Services, which gained 5,900 roles, based on the most recently available information published in February 2022.

Total employment in the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ market rose by 2,146 jobs in December and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 40 bps to 2.4%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 20 bps over the same time to 3.7%.

  • Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ unemployment rate is 129 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 400 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in December versus prior month by 4.5% 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 December 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.5% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 466,400; +4,300
  • Business Services: 395,500; +5,900
  • Education & Healthcare: 366,800; +1,700
  • Government: 246,100; -1,800
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 223,200; +900
  • Financial Services: 208,200; -900
  • Construction, Mining: 140,200; +700
  • Manufacturing: 137,900; +500
  • Other Jobs: 70,100; +800
  • IT & Development: 36,900; +400
Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ Unemployment by Industry December 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through December 2021 (Data published February 2022 and reports created on February 4, 2022).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.