Overall unemployment rate moved down to 3.2% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 1,500 roles, based on the most recently available information published in December 2022.

Total employment in the Worcester, MA-CT market rose by 3,332 jobs in October and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 10 bps to 3.2%. The national unemployment rate increased by 8 bps over the same time to 3.4%.

  • Worcester, MA-CT unemployment rate is 20 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 150 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) declined in October versus prior month by -1.4% and are up compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Worcester, MA-CT Unemployment October 2022

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 1.1% . Key sectors include:

  • Education & Healthcare: 69,500; +400
  • Transportation & Utilities: 52,800; no change
  • Government: 45,100; +1,500
  • Business Services: 33,200; +1,200
  • Manufacturing: 27,600; -100
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 23,800; -400
  • Financial Services: 13,400; +100
  • Construction, Mining: 12,500; +100
  • Other Jobs: 9,700; +200
Worcester, MA-CT 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.