Overall unemployment rate moved up to 3.5% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 10,500 roles, based on the most recently available information published in November 2022.

Total employment in the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ market rose by 12,976 jobs in September and the unemployment rate increased compared to the prior month by 10 bps to 3.5%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 47 bps over the same time to 3.3%.

  • Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ unemployment rate is 18 bps above the national rate which is a negative 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 September versus prior month by 7% 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 September 2022

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

  • Transportation & Utilities: 457,200; -400
  • Business Services: 387,000; +3,500
  • Education & Healthcare: 369,600; +4,900
  • Government: 247,600; +10,500
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 232,900; +800
  • Financial Services: 215,600; +400
  • Manufacturing: 149,700; +900
  • Construction, Mining: 149,600; no change
  • Other Jobs: 71,200; +2,000
  • IT & Development: 42,700; -900
Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ Unemployment by Industry September 2022

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through September 2022 (Data published November 2022 and reports created on November 2, 2022).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.