Overall unemployment rate moved down to 5.1% with the biggest shift in Business Services, which gained 2,000 roles, based on the most recently available information published in June 2022.

Total employment in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA market rose by 1,039 jobs in April and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 60 bps to 5.1%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 42 bps over the same time to 3.3%.

  • Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA unemployment rate is 176 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 280 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in April versus prior month by 2.6% and are up compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA Unemployment April 2022

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 1.5% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 68,500; -500
  • Education & Healthcare: 49,100; -100
  • Business Services: 29,000; +2,000
  • Manufacturing: 28,700; no change
  • Government: 27,700; +100
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 21,200; +1,600
  • Financial Services: 11,800; no change
  • Construction, Mining: 10,300; +500
  • Other Jobs: 8,000; +100
  • IT & Development: 2,900; no change
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA Unemployment by Industry April 2022

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through April 2022 (Data published June 2022 and reports created on June 1, 2022).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.