Overall unemployment rate moved up to 9.7% with the biggest shift in Education & Healthcare, which gained 1,600 roles, based on the most recently available information published in April 2021.

Total employment in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA market rose by 3,454 jobs in February and the unemployment rate increased compared to the prior month by 10 bps to 9.7%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 26 bps over the same time to 6.6%.

  • Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA unemployment rate is 315 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 350 bps above the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a negative.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in February versus prior month by 4.2% and are up 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 February 2021

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

  • Transportation & Utilities: 63,000; -500
  • Education & Healthcare: 51,700; +1,600
  • Government: 27,900; +400
  • Manufacturing: 27,000; +100
  • Business Services: 24,700; +300
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 17,000; +500
  • Financial Services: 12,700; no change
  • Construction, Mining: 9,300; -100
  • Other Jobs: 7,500; no change
  • IT & Development: 2,500; no change
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA Unemployment by Industry February 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through February 2021 (Data published April 2021 and reports created on April 9, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.