Overall unemployment rate moved down to 6.1% with the biggest shift in Restaurants & Hotels, which gained 4,100 roles, based on the most recently available information published in April 2021.

Total employment in the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ market rose by 18,293 jobs in March and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 60 bps to 6.1%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 38 bps over the same time to 6.2%.

  • Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ unemployment rate is 8 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 150 bps above the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a negative.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in March versus prior month by 1.9% 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 March 2021

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

  • Transportation & Utilities: 429,600; +1,600
  • Business Services: 362,100; -100
  • Education & Healthcare: 347,700; +1,500
  • Government: 242,900; +200
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 203,800; +4,100
  • Financial Services: 202,700; -900
  • Construction, Mining: 135,900; +2,700
  • Manufacturing: 135,400; +1,000
  • Other Jobs: 67,500; +500
  • IT & Development: 37,100; -900
Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ Unemployment by Industry March 2021

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

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.