Overall unemployment rate moved down to 7.4% with the biggest shift in Business Services, which gained 900 roles, based on the most recently available information published in June 2021.

Total employment in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA market rose by 517 jobs in April and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 150 bps to 7.4%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 43 bps over the same time to 5.7%.

  • Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA unemployment rate is 165 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 1,050 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in April versus prior month by 0.7% and are equal compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA Unemployment April 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 1.1% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 62,700; -200
  • Education & Healthcare: 51,300; no change
  • Government: 28,200; +300
  • Manufacturing: 27,100; +100
  • Business Services: 26,000; +900
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 17,200; +400
  • Financial Services: 12,900; +200
  • Construction, Mining: 10,600; +800
  • Other Jobs: 7,700; +100
  • IT & Development: 2,500; no change
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA Unemployment by Industry April 2021

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

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.