Overall unemployment rate moved down to 3.2% with the biggest shift in Transportation & Utilities, which gained 7,100 roles, based on the most recently available information published in December 2021.

Total employment in the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ market rose by 15,322 jobs in October and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 60 bps to 3.2%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 30 bps over the same time to 4.3%.

  • Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ unemployment rate is 106 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 290 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in October versus prior month by 4.9% 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 October 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 1.0% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 450,600; +7,100
  • Business Services: 385,900; +6,800
  • Education & Healthcare: 360,400; +300
  • Government: 246,200; +1,200
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 223,300; +4,600
  • Financial Services: 208,100; +800
  • Construction, Mining: 141,500; +200
  • Manufacturing: 136,800; +600
  • Other Jobs: 69,700; -200
  • IT & Development: 36,800; +1,000
Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ Unemployment by Industry October 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through October 2021 (Data published December 2021 and reports created on December 2, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.