Department of Numbers

Pennsylvania Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Pennsylvania fell 0.0 percentage points in January 2023 to 4.3%. The state unemployment rate was 0.9 percentage points higher than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in Pennsylvania peaked in April 2020 at 16.2% and is now 11.9 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 4.3% in April 2022, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.0 percentage points. You can also see Pennsylvania unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate January 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
National 3.4% -0.1 -0.6
Pennsylvania 4.3% 0.0 -0.2

Note: All comparisons are made with January data as February state level unemployment data has not yet been released.

Unemployment Rate: Pennsylvania, National

Pennsylvania monthly unemployment rate chart from 1990 to January 2023

Note: Recessions shown in gray

Pennsylvania Unemployed

The number of people unemployed in Pennsylvania peaked in April 2020 at 1,030,342. There are now 749,148 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 277,323 in July 2022, the number of unemployed has now grown by 3,871. Pennsylvania job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons January 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
Pennsylvania 281,194 -253 -7,643

Number of Unemployed Persons

Monthly chart of total unemployed in Pennsylvania from 1990 to January 2023

Pennsylvania Unemployment History

Date National
Unemployment Rate
Pennsylvania
Unemployment Rate
Pennsylvania
Unemployed
February 2023 3.6%
January 2023 3.4% 4.3% 281,194
December 2022 3.5% 4.3% 281,447
November 2022 3.6% 4.4% 282,116
October 2022 3.7% 4.4% 282,194
September 2022 3.5% 4.3% 280,995
August 2022 3.7% 4.3% 279,174
July 2022 3.5% 4.3% 277,323
June 2022 3.6% 4.3% 277,349
May 2022 3.6% 4.3% 278,922
April 2022 3.6% 4.3% 280,518
March 2022 3.6% 4.4% 281,841