Overall unemployment rate stayed flat at 2.9% with the biggest shift in Financial Services, which lost 2,700 roles, based on the most recently available information published in May 2023.

Total employment in the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ market rose by 10,460 jobs in March and the unemployment rate stayed flat. The national unemployment rate decreased by 27 bps over the same time to 3.6%.

  • Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ unemployment rate is 72 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 March versus prior month by 3.8% 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 March 2023

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs declined by -0.1%. Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 452,200; -1,300
  • Business Services: 392,200; -2,600
  • Education & Healthcare: 380,100; -1,100
  • Government: 248,700; +400
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 245,100; +900
  • Financial Services: 219,000; -2,700
  • Construction, Mining: 161,100; +2,400
  • Manufacturing: 150,500; +1,600
  • Other Jobs: 70,700; +200
  • IT & Development: 42,500; -400
Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ Unemployment by Industry March 2023

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through March 2023 (Data published May 2023 and reports created on May 9,2023).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.