Overall unemployment rate moved up to 3.8% with the biggest shift in Education & Healthcare, which gained 1,300 roles, based on the most recently available information published in April 2023.

Total employment in the Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA market declined by 934 jobs in February and the unemployment rate increased compared to the prior month by 10 bps to 3.8%. The national unemployment rate increased by 3 bps over the same time to 3.9%.

  • Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA unemployment rate is 9 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 10 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 2.1% and are down compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA Unemployment February 2023

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.5% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 80,400; -1,000
  • Education & Healthcare: 67,100; +1,300
  • Government: 56,900; +1,200
  • Business Services: 52,200; +200
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 28,500; no change
  • Manufacturing: 22,400; +100
  • Financial Services: 19,100; no change
  • Other Jobs: 15,700; +100
  • Construction, Mining: 11,600; -100
  • IT & Development: 3,400; no change
Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA Unemployment by Industry February 2023

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through February 2023 (Data published April 2023 and reports created on April 10, 2023).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.