Overall unemployment rate moved down to 4.1% with the biggest shift in Education & Healthcare, which gained 500 roles, based on the most recently available information published in May 2023.

Total employment in the Worcester, MA-CT market declined by 2,239 jobs in March and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 30 bps to 4.1%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 27 bps over the same time to 3.6%.

  • Worcester, MA-CT unemployment rate is 48 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 10 bps above the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a negative.
  • Average wages (per hour) declined in March versus prior month by -1.3% 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 March 2023

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.3% . Key sectors include:

  • Education & Healthcare: 69,900; +500
  • Transportation & Utilities: 53,100; +300
  • Government: 46,000; -100
  • Business Services: 32,800; -500
  • Manufacturing: 27,500; +100
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 24,400; +500
  • Financial Services: 14,100; no change
  • Construction, Mining: 11,700; +100
  • Other Jobs: 10,600; +100
  • IT & Development: 2,700; no change
Worcester, MA-CT Unemployment by Industry March 2023

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through March 2023 (Data published May 2023 and reports created on May 9,2023).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.