Overall unemployment rate moved down to 5.7% with the biggest shift in Business Services, which gained 1,500 roles, based on the most recently available information published in December 2021.

Total employment in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA market rose by 2,844 jobs in October and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 70 bps to 5.7%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 30 bps over the same time to 4.3%.

  • Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA unemployment rate is 144 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 150 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 2.5% 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 October 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 1.5% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 64,700; +1,100
  • Education & Healthcare: 51,700; +1,200
  • Government: 29,200; +600
  • Business Services: 27,100; +1,500
  • Manufacturing: 26,800; -400
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 18,800; -500
  • Financial Services: 13,100; -100
  • Construction, Mining: 10,800; +300
  • Other Jobs: 7,800; no change
  • IT & Development: 2,500; no change
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA 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.