Overall unemployment rate moved down to 5.2% with the biggest shift in Transportation & Utilities, which gained 2,200 roles, based on the most recently available information published in December 2021.

Total employment in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA market rose by 676 jobs in November and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 60 bps to 5.2%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 37 bps over the same time to 3.9%.

  • Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA unemployment rate is 131 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 220 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 3.2% and are down 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 November 2021

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

  • Transportation & Utilities: 66,900; +2,200
  • Education & Healthcare: 51,100; -500
  • Government: 29,300; +200
  • Business Services: 28,500; +1,400
  • Manufacturing: 27,200; +100
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 18,900; -600
  • Financial Services: 13,000; -100
  • Construction, Mining: 10,600; -200
  • Other Jobs: 7,700; -100
  • IT & Development: 2,500; no change
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA 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.