Overall unemployment rate moved down to 3.8% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 8,900 roles, based on the most recently available information published in November 2021.

Total employment in the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ market rose by 41,010 jobs in September and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 90 bps to 3.8%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 72 bps over the same time to 4.6%.

  • Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ unemployment rate is 76 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 280 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in September versus prior month by 3.4% 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 September 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.7% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 444,100; +3,500
  • Business Services: 376,700; -3,100
  • Education & Healthcare: 359,800; +3,600
  • Government: 245,600; +8,900
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 215,900; +1,800
  • Financial Services: 207,100; -100
  • Construction, Mining: 141,300; +3,000
  • Manufacturing: 136,200; -900
  • Other Jobs: 69,200; -200
  • IT & Development: 35,900; +100
Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ Unemployment by Industry September 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through September 2021 (Data published November 2021 and reports created on November 3, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.