Overall unemployment rate moved down to 4.2% with the biggest shift in Education & Healthcare, which gained 1,800 roles, based on the most recently available information published in November 2022.

Total employment in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA market rose by 2,075 jobs in September and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 150 bps to 4.2%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 47 bps over the same time to 3.3%.

  • Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA unemployment rate is 88 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 240 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 4.6% 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 September 2022

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.4% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 69,500; -400
  • Education & Healthcare: 49,000; +1,800
  • Manufacturing: 29,100; +100
  • Business Services: 28,500; -600
  • Government: 27,800; +1,200
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 22,400; -600
  • Financial Services: 11,800; -100
  • Construction, Mining: 10,700; -200
  • Other Jobs: 7,900; -300
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA 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.