Overall unemployment rate moved up to 4.4% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 1,400 roles, based on the most recently available information published in April 2023.

Total employment in the Worcester, MA-CT market declined by 431 jobs in February and the unemployment rate increased compared to the prior month by 20 bps to 4.4%. The national unemployment rate increased by 3 bps over the same time to 3.9%.

  • Worcester, MA-CT unemployment rate is 51 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is equal to the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time.
  • Average wages (per hour) declined in February versus prior month by -1.6% and are down compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Worcester, MA-CT Unemployment February 2023

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

  • Education & Healthcare: 69,400; +800
  • Transportation & Utilities: 52,700; -1,200
  • Government: 46,100; +1,400
  • Business Services: 33,300; +1,000
  • Manufacturing: 27,300; no change
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 24,000; +400
  • Financial Services: 14,100; -200
  • Construction, Mining: 11,600; no change
  • Other Jobs: 10,400; no change
  • IT & Development: 2,700; no change
Worcester, MA-CT Unemployment by Industry February 2023

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through February 2023 (Data published April 2023 and reports created on April 10, 2023).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.