Overall unemployment rate stayed flat at 4.2% with the biggest shift in Education & Healthcare, which gained 14,100 roles, based on the most recently available information published in April 2023.

Total employment in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD market rose by 2,647 jobs in February and the unemployment rate stayed flat. The national unemployment rate increased by 3 bps over the same time to 3.9%.

  • Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD unemployment rate is 31 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 50 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% and are up compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Unemployment February 2023

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

  • Education & Healthcare: 697,700; +14,100
  • Transportation & Utilities: 549,200; -5,300
  • Business Services: 496,100; +1,900
  • Government: 338,200; +5,200
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 253,800; no change
  • Financial Services: 228,500; +400
  • Manufacturing: 181,700; +1,600
  • Other Jobs: 121,200; no change
  • Construction, Mining: 120,400; -1,200
  • IT & Development: 54,200; -100
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD 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.