Overall unemployment rate moved up to 6.7% with the biggest shift in Transportation & Utilities, which gained 3,900 roles, based on the most recently available information published in April 2021.

Total employment in the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ market rose by 11,342 jobs in February and the unemployment rate increased compared to the prior month by 10 bps to 6.7%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 26 bps over the same time to 6.6%.

  • Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ unemployment rate is 15 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 290 bps above the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a negative.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in February versus prior month by 0.1% and are down 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 February 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.6% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 427,900; +3,900
  • Business Services: 361,900; +500
  • Education & Healthcare: 346,300; +1,800
  • Government: 242,500; +1,900
  • Financial Services: 203,300; no change
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 197,800; +2,700
  • Manufacturing: 135,200; +1,800
  • Construction, Mining: 133,000; -1,800
  • Other Jobs: 67,200; +1,300
  • IT & Development: 38,800; +1,300
Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ Unemployment by Industry February 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through February 2021 (Data published April 2021 and reports created on April 9, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.