HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry recently unveiled its preliminary employment situation report for August 2024, highlighting a stable yet challenging labor market. For the 11th consecutive month, the state’s unemployment rate held steady at 3.4%, remaining notably below the national average of 4.2%. Despite this stability, the civilian labor force experienced a slight contraction, decreasing by 22,000 to 6,581,000, primarily due to a drop in resident employment.
In contrast, Pennsylvania’s total nonfarm jobs continued their upward trajectory, increasing by 8,000 to a record high of 6,200,000. This marks the 13th consecutive month of record-breaking job numbers, with notable gains in education and health services, which added 4,500 positions, achieving its 15th consecutive month of record highs. Over the past year, nonfarm jobs have surged by 102,600, with education and health services leading the way with an impressive gain of 59,600 jobs.
These figures highlight a dynamic labor market, reflecting both resilience and areas for improvement. The consistent job growth underscores the state’s economic vitality, yet the slight increase in the unemployment rate compared to last year suggests challenges remain in aligning workforce participation with job availability. As Pennsylvania navigates these complexities, the focus on expanding job opportunities and supporting workforce engagement remains paramount for sustained economic health.
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