Overall unemployment rate stayed flat at 2.9% with the biggest shift in Business Services, which lost 5,100 roles, based on the most recently available information published in April 2023.

Total employment in the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ market declined by 1,889 jobs in February and the unemployment rate stayed flat. The national unemployment rate increased by 3 bps over the same time to 3.9%.

  • Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ unemployment rate is 99 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 20 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 3.5% and are down compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ Unemployment February 2023

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.4% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 453,500; +300
  • Business Services: 394,600; -5,100
  • Education & Healthcare: 380,500; +3,300
  • Government: 248,300; +3,500
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 245,100; +4,700
  • Financial Services: 220,900; -400
  • Construction, Mining: 157,900; +2,700
  • Manufacturing: 148,800; -400
  • Other Jobs: 71,600; +1,300
  • IT & Development: 42,900; -200
Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ 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.