Overall unemployment rate moved down to 3.8% with the biggest shift in Business Services, which gained 1,000 roles, based on the most recently available information published in June 2023.

Total employment in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA market rose by 171 jobs in April and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 90 bps to 3.8%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 53 bps over the same time to 3.1%.

  • Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA unemployment rate is 70 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 80 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 2.5% and are down 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 2023

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

  • Transportation & Utilities: 68,300; -300
  • Education & Healthcare: 53,100; no change
  • Manufacturing: 29,900; +200
  • Business Services: 29,600; +1,000
  • Government: 28,700; +100
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 22,900; +800
  • Financial Services: 12,400; no change
  • Construction, Mining: 11,000; +500
  • Other Jobs: 8,500; no change
  • IT & Development: 3,000; no change
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA Unemployment by Industry April 2023

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through April 2023 (Data published June 2023 and reports created on June 8,2023).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.