Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate decreased one-tenth of a percentage point to a record low 3.9 percent in March – the lowest rate since 1976. The national rate was unchanged from February at 3.8 percent. The Pennsylvania unemployment rate declined by one-half of a percentage point from March 2018.
The estimated number of Pennsylvania residents working or looking for work, known as the civilian labor force, was up 5,000 over the month. The number of employed Pennsylvanians rose by 10,000 to a record high of 6,219,000. The number of unemployed residents was down 6,000 from February to its lowest level since it was matched in August 2000.
The estimated number of jobs in Pennsylvania, referred to as total nonfarm jobs, was up 4,000 from February to a record high of 6,044,500. Highlights from this month’s jobs report include:
- Fourth consecutive gain as well as fourth consecutive record high.
- Total nonfarm jobs increased from February in six of the 11 industry supersectors.
- The largest volume change was in professional & business services, up 2,200.
- Education & health services and leisure & hospitality both rose to record high job levels.
Over the past 12 months, jobs increased 0.8 percent in the commonwealth with gains in eight of the 11 supersectors. Education & health services had the largest volume 12-month gain.
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Note: The above data are seasonally adjusted. Seasonally adjusted data provide the most valid month-to-month comparison.