Overall unemployment rate moved down to 2.8% with the biggest shift in Transportation & Utilities, which gained 11,400 roles, based on the most recently available information published in December 2021.

Total employment in the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ market rose by 23,874 jobs in November and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 40 bps to 2.8%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 37 bps over the same time to 3.9%.

  • Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ unemployment rate is 109 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 330 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in November versus prior month by 4.6% 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 November 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.9% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 462,500; +11,400
  • Business Services: 391,500; +2,700
  • Education & Healthcare: 366,500; +3,500
  • Government: 247,800; +1,400
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 221,900; -500
  • Financial Services: 209,100; +900
  • Construction, Mining: 139,100; -200
  • Manufacturing: 137,700; +700
  • Other Jobs: 69,300; -500
  • IT & Development: 36,700; +300
Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ Unemployment by Industry November 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through November 2021 (Data published December 2021 and reports created on January 6, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.