Overall unemployment rate moved down to 4.1% with the biggest shift in Transportation & Utilities, which gained 1,200 roles, based on the most recently available information published in December 2022.

Total employment in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA market rose by 1,143 jobs in October and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 10 bps to 4.1%. The national unemployment rate increased by 8 bps over the same time to 3.4%.

  • Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA unemployment rate is 70 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 220 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in October versus prior month by 4.7% 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 October 2022

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.8% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 71,500; +1,200
  • Education & Healthcare: 49,200; +700
  • Manufacturing: 29,100; +100
  • Business Services: 28,000; -500
  • Government: 27,800; +300
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 22,600; +100
  • Financial Services: 11,900; +100
  • Construction, Mining: 10,700; no change
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA Unemployment by Industry October 2022

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

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.