HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) released its preliminary employment report for June 2024, showing that the state’s unemployment rate remains unchanged at 3.4% for the ninth consecutive month. In contrast, the national unemployment rate increased slightly to 4.1%.
This steady rate comes as Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate sits two-tenths of a percentage point higher than the record low of 3.2% set in June 2023. Despite this, the state’s labor market remains robust. The U.S. unemployment rate has risen half a percentage point over the past year, highlighting a national trend of increasing joblessness.
Pennsylvania’s civilian labor force, which includes both employed residents and those actively seeking work, decreased by 2,000 from May’s record high, settling at 6,603,000 in June. This decline is attributed to a drop in resident employment, even though resident unemployment remained unchanged.
The state saw a significant increase in nonfarm jobs, with a rise of 15,600 positions, reaching a record high of 6,183,900 jobs. This marks the 11th consecutive month of record-breaking job numbers in Pennsylvania. Seven out of 11 industry supersectors saw job growth, with education and health services leading the way by adding 8,300 jobs, marking its 13th consecutive record high. Financial activities and leisure and hospitality sectors also hit record highs in June.
Over the past year, Pennsylvania added 98,100 nonfarm jobs, with notable gains in seven supersectors. Education and health services saw the largest increase, adding 60,600 jobs.
These figures are seasonally adjusted to provide the most accurate month-to-month comparisons. June 2024 data is preliminary and may be revised in future reports.
Pennsylvania’s steady unemployment rate and rising job numbers indicate a resilient labor market, despite minor fluctuations in employment statistics. The continued growth in key sectors suggests a positive trajectory for the state’s economy.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.