Overall unemployment rate moved up to 2.9% with the biggest shift in Transportation & Utilities, which lost 12,300 roles, based on the most recently available information published in March 2023.

Total employment in the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ market rose by 26,391 jobs in January and the unemployment rate increased compared to the prior month by 20 bps to 2.9%. The national unemployment rate increased by 60 bps over the same time to 3.9%.

  • Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ unemployment rate is 96 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 30 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in January versus prior month by 3.9% and are up 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 January 2023

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs declined by -0.9%. Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 454,400; -12,300
  • Business Services: 399,800; -3,800
  • Education & Healthcare: 379,200; -100
  • Government: 244,700; +3,100
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 240,800; -600
  • Financial Services: 221,100; -1,300
  • Construction, Mining: 155,700; -500
  • Manufacturing: 149,200; -2,400
  • Other Jobs: 70,300; -2,800
  • IT & Development: 43,200; -400
Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ Unemployment by Industry January 2023

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through January 2023 (Data published March 2023 and reports created on March 17, 2023).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.