Overall unemployment rate stayed flat at 5.5% with the biggest shift in Government, which lost 500 roles, based on the most recently available information published in August 2022.

Total employment in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA market rose by 1,528 jobs in July and the unemployment rate stayed flat. The national unemployment rate decreased by 5 bps over the same time to 3.8%.

  • Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA unemployment rate is 172 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 July versus prior month by 5.5% 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 July 2022

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs stayed flat. Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 70,000; +100
  • Education & Healthcare: 47,400; +100
  • Manufacturing: 28,900; no change
  • Business Services: 28,300; +300
  • Government: 27,100; -500
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 23,000; -300
  • Financial Services: 11,900; +100
  • Construction, Mining: 10,700; +100
  • Other Jobs: 8,200; +100
  • IT & Development: 2,900; no change
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA Unemployment by Industry July 2022

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

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.