Overall unemployment rate moved down to 4.9% with the biggest shift in Education & Healthcare, which gained 200 roles, based on the most recently available information published in April 2022.

Total employment in the Altoona, PA market declined by 91 jobs in February and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 50 bps to 4.9%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 28 bps over the same time to 4.1%.

  • Altoona, PA unemployment rate is 76 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 February versus prior month by 4.7% and are down compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Altoona, PA Unemployment February 2022

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.3% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 14,300; no change
  • Education & Healthcare: 12,700; +200
  • Government: 7,800; +100
  • Manufacturing: 6,600; no change
  • Business Services: 5,300; no change
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 5,200; no change
  • Other Jobs: 2,600; no change
  • Construction, Mining: 2,500; -100
  • Financial Services: 1,400; no change
  • IT & Development: 900; no change
Altoona, PA Unemployment by Industry February 2022

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through February 2022 (Data published April 2022 and reports created on April 6, 2022).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.