Overall unemployment rate moved down to 6.4% with the biggest shift in Education & Healthcare, which gained 1,600 roles, based on the most recently available information published in November 2021.

Total employment in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA market rose by 1,116 jobs in September and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 130 bps to 6.4%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 72 bps over the same time to 4.6%.

  • Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA unemployment rate is 184 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 September versus prior month by 1.2% 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 September 2021

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

  • Transportation & Utilities: 63,500; +300
  • Education & Healthcare: 50,500; +1,600
  • Government: 28,800; +1,400
  • Manufacturing: 27,200; -500
  • Business Services: 25,600; -200
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 19,200; -300
  • Financial Services: 13,200; -100
  • Construction, Mining: 10,500; no change
  • Other Jobs: 7,800; -100
  • IT & Development: 2,500; no change
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA 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.