Pennsylvania unemployment ties for record low

Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate was at a record low for September. 

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate was down one-tenth of a percentage point over the month to 4.1% in September. 

That matches the lowest rate on record.  

At the same time, the U.S. unemployment rate was down two-tenths of a percentage point from the prior month to 3.5%.  

Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate was 1.7 percentage points below its September 2021 level and the national rate was down 1.2 percentage points over the year. 

 “Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate dipping to 4.1 percent – which was last seen in April 2000 and is the lowest rate in records dating to 1976 – serves as a testament to Pennsylvanians’ resilience — their ability to bounce back from a crisis, provide for their families, and tackle the economic challenges of today and tomorrow,” L&I Secretary Jennifer Berrier said. “Despite near historic lows in unemployment, Pennsylvania faces a historically tight labor market. We must continue to invest in our workers and businesses to ensure Pennsylvania’s workforce system remains strong in the face of economic uncertainty.” 

According to Berrier, Pennsylvania’s civilian labor force – the estimated number of residents working or looking for work – was up 1,000 over the month. The employment count rose 10,000 to 6.185 million while resident unemployment declined 8,000 to 264,000. 

 Pennsylvania’s total nonfarm jobs were up 12,000 from the prior month to 5.998 million in September.  

Jobs increased in six of the 11 industry supersectors.  

The largest gain was in government, which added 12,400 jobs. Trade, transportation & utilities rose to a record high level since 1990.  

Over the year, total nonfarm jobs were up 219,800 with gains in all 11 supersectors.  

Three supersectors – trade, transportation & utilities; information; and professional & business services – were above their pre-pandemic job levels in September 2022. 

 From April 2020 through September 2022, Berrier said Pennsylvania has recovered approximately 91% of jobs lost in the first two months of the pandemic period.