Overall unemployment rate moved down to 5.2% with the biggest shift in Education & Healthcare, which gained 1,400 roles, based on the most recently available information published in December 2021.

Total employment in the Worcester, MA-CT market rose by 3,247 jobs in October and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 20 bps to 5.2%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 30 bps over the same time to 4.3%.

  • Worcester, MA-CT unemployment rate is 94 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 270 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 6.8% and are up compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Worcester, MA-CT Unemployment October 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 1.8% . Key sectors include:

  • Education & Healthcare: 67,300; +1,400
  • Transportation & Utilities: 53,200; +1,000
  • Government: 42,100; +500
  • Business Services: 29,300; +1,000
  • Manufacturing: 26,500; +200
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 23,000; +600
  • Financial Services: 13,500; -200
  • Construction, Mining: 12,200; +200
  • Other Jobs: 8,700; +100
  • IT & Development: 2,900; no change
Worcester, MA-CT 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.