Pennsylvania Unemployment Rate Drops to 3.8% in January
- Pennsylvania's labor market experienced notable shifts in January,with the education and health services supersector leading the way.
- In January, the education & health services sector saw the most substantial increase, adding 5,100 jobs.
- Over the past year, Pennsylvania has added 75,800 jobs, with gains reported in six of the eleven industry supersectors.
Pennsylvania Job market Shows Growth in Education and Health Services
Table of Contents
- Pennsylvania Job market Shows Growth in Education and Health Services
- January 2025 Employment Trends: A Detailed Analysis
- Pennsylvania’s January 2025 Unemployment Rate Edges Up to 3.8%
- Pennsylvania Job Market Trends: An In-Depth sector Analysis
- Pennsylvania Unemployment Rate and Nonfarm Jobs Data – January 2025
Pennsylvania’s labor market experienced notable shifts in January,with the education and health services supersector leading the way. The latest data reveals notable gains and annual revisions impacting the state’s employment landscape.
Key Highlights of Pennsylvania’s Job Market
In January, the education & health services sector saw the most substantial increase, adding 5,100 jobs. This growth contributed to education & health services and other services reaching “record high job levels” during the month.
Over the past year, Pennsylvania has added 75,800 jobs, with gains reported in six of the eleven industry supersectors. Education & health services led this growth, accounting for an increase of “+40,700” jobs.
Annual Revisions to Labor Force Statistics
Each year, the Bureau of labor Statistics (BLS) adjusts prior years’ monthly sample-based estimates using additional or revised data. This process also includes updating seasonal adjustment factors for ancient labor force and nonfarm jobs data. The revisions for Pennsylvania’s civilian labor force and nonfarm jobs data through 2024 have been completed and are reflected in the analysis of January’s preliminary data.
Pennsylvania Labor Force Statistics
Here’s a detailed look at the current labor force statistics for pennsylvania and the United States:
| January 2025 | December 2024 | January 2024 | Change from December 2024 | Change from January 2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volume | Percent | Volume | Percent | ||||
| PA | |||||||
| Civilian Labor Force | 6,542 | 6,548 | 6,618 | -6 | -0.1% | -76 | -1.1% |
| Employment | 6,295 | 6,306 | 6,375 | -11 | -0.2% | -80 | -1.3% |
| Unemployment | 246 | 242 | 242 | 4 | 1.7% | 4 | 1.7% |
| Rate | 3.8 | 3.7 | 3.7 | 0.1 | —- | 0.1 | —- |
| U.S. | |||||||
| Civilian Labor Force | 170,744 | 168,547 | 167,339 | 2,197 | 1.3% | 3,405 | 2.0% |
| Employment | 163,895 | 161,661 | 161,190 | 2,234 | 1.4% | 2,705 | 1.7% |
| Unemployment | 6,849 | 6,886 | 6,149 | -37 | -0.5% | 700 | 11.4% |
| Rate | 4.0 | 4.1 | 3.7 | -0.1 | —- | 0.3 | —- |
Seasonally Adjusted (in thousands)
Note: The above data are seasonally adjusted. Seasonally adjusted data provide the most valid month-to-month comparison. January 2025 data are preliminary and subject to revision.
January 2025 Employment Trends: A Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the latest employment figures reveals nuanced shifts across various sectors. The data, seasonally adjusted and measured in thousands, provides insights into both nonfarm jobs and specific industry performance.
Overall Nonfarm Employment
Total nonfarm jobs reached 6,190.3 in January 2025,marking an increase from December 2024’s 6,180.8 and January 2024’s 6,114.5. This represents a 9.5 increase (0.2%) from December 2024 and a substantial 75.8 increase (1.2%) compared to January of the previous year.
the nonfarm sector shows positive momentum, indicating a strengthening labor market.
Goods Producing Industries
The goods-producing sector shows a slight increase. January 2025 recorded 842.6 jobs,up from 841.3 in December 2024 but down from 848.0 in January 2024. This translates to a 1.3 increase (0.2%) month-over-month and a -5.4 decrease (-0.6%) year-over-year.
Mining & Logging
Mining and logging experienced a slight uptick, with 21.4 jobs in January 2025 compared to 21.3 in December 2024. tho, it’s down from 22.2 in January 2024.The sector saw a 0.1 increase (0.5%) from the previous month and a -0.8 decrease (-3.6%) from the previous year.
Construction
Construction shows steady growth, with 261.9 jobs in January 2025, up from 261.1 in December 2024 and 260.6 in January 2024. This represents a 0.8 increase (0.3%) from December and a 1.3 increase (0.5%) from January 2024.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing saw a marginal increase from December, but a decrease from January 2024. January 2025 recorded 559.3 jobs, compared to 558.9 in December 2024 and 565.2 the previous January. This is a 0.4 increase (0.1%) from the previous month, but a -5.9 decrease (-1.0%) from the previous year.
service Providing Industries
Service-providing industries demonstrated strong growth, with 5,347.7 jobs in January 2025, up from 5,339.5 in December 2024 and 5,266.5 in January 2024.This reflects an 8.2 increase (0.2%) from December and an 81.2 increase (1.5%) from the previous year.
Trade,Transportation & Utilities
Trade,transportation,and utilities remained relatively stable,with 1,143.9 jobs in January 2025, slightly down from 1,144.1 in December 2024 but up from 1,137.7 in January 2024. This is a -0.2 change (0.0%) from the previous month and a 6.2 increase (0.5%) from the previous year.
Information
The information sector saw growth from December,but a decrease from January 2024,with 90.9 jobs in January 2025, up from 89.7 in December 2024 but down from 92.2 in January 2024. This is a 1.2 increase (1.3%) from the previous month, but a -1.3 decrease (-1.4%) from the previous year.
Financial Activities
Financial activities experienced a slight decrease, with 339.6 jobs in January 2025,down from 340.7 in December 2024 and 340.3 in January 2024. This is a -1.1 change (-0.3%) from the previous month and a -0.7 decrease (-0.2%) from the previous year.
Professional & Business Services
Professional and business services saw a decrease,with 833.5 jobs in January 2025, down from 838.4 in December 2024 and 834.1 in January 2024.This is a -4.9 change (-0.6%) from the previous month and a -0.6 decrease (-0.1%) from the previous year.
Education & Health Services
Education and health services showed significant growth, with 1,384.0 jobs in January 2025, up from 1,378.9 in December 2024 and 1,343.3 in January 2024. This is a 5.1 increase (0.4%) from the previous month and a 40.7 increase (3.0%) from the previous year.
summary Table
| Category | January 2025 | December 2024 | January 2024 | Change from December 2024 (volume) | change from December 2024 (Percent) | Change from January 2024 (Volume) | Change from January 2024 (Percent) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Nonfarm Jobs | 6,190.3 | 6,180.8 | 6,114.5 | 9.5 | 0.2% | 75.8 | 1.2% |
| Goods producing Industries | 842.6 | 841.3 | 848.0 | 1.3 | 0.2% | -5.4 | -0.6% |
| Mining & logging | 21.4 | 21.3 | 22.2 | 0.1 | 0.5% | -0.8 | -3.6% |
| Construction | 261.9 | 261.1 | 260.6 | 0.8 | 0.3% | 1.3 | 0.5% |
| Manufacturing | 559.3 | 558.9 | 565.2 | 0.4 | 0.1% | -5.9 | -1.0% |
| Service Providing Industries | 5,347.7 | 5,339.5 | 5,266.5 | 8.2 | 0.2% | 81.2 | 1.5% |
| Trade, Transportation & Utilities | 1,143.9 | 1,144.1 | 1,137.7 | -0.2 | 0.0% | 6.2 | 0.5% |
| Information | 90.9 | 89.7 | 92.2 | 1.2 | 1.3% | -1.3 | -1.4% |
| Financial Activities | 339.6 | 340.7 | 340.3 | -1.1 | -0.3% | -0.7 | -0.2% |
| Professional & Business Services | 833.5 | 838.4 | 834.1 | -4.9 | -0.6% | -0.6 | -0.1% |
| Education & Health Services | 1,384.0 | 1,378.9 | 1,343.3 | 5.1 | 0.4% | 40.7 | 3.0% |
These figures provide a detailed snapshot of the employment landscape, highlighting areas of growth and decline across various industries. The data is essential for understanding economic trends and informing policy decisions.
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Pennsylvania’s January 2025 Unemployment Rate Edges Up to 3.8%
Harrisburg – The latest employment situation report for Pennsylvania,released today,reveals that the state’s unemployment rate has risen slightly to 3.8% in January 2025. This data comes alongside the annual revisions of prior years’ data, a standard practice.
Unemployment Rate Slightly Above Previous Year
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) reports that while the state’s unemployment rate increased by one-tenth of a percentage point over the month, it remains below the national unemployment rate. “Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate was up one-tenth of a percentage point over the month to 3.8 percent in January,” the report states. The U.S. unemployment rate stands at 4.0 percent, a decrease of one-tenth of a point from December.
Compared to January 2024, the Commonwealth’s unemployment rate is marginally higher. “The Commonwealth’s unemployment rate was one-tenth of a percentage point above the January 2024 level of 3.7 percent, while the national rate was up three-tenths of a percentage point over the year.”
Labor Force sees Slight Decline
Pennsylvania’s civilian labor force, which includes residents working or seeking work, experienced a slight decrease. “Pennsylvania’s civilian labor force – the estimated number of residents working or looking for work – was down 6,000 over the month to 6,542,000 in January.” This decline was primarily driven by a decrease in resident employment.
Nonfarm Jobs Reach Record high
Despite the slight increase in unemployment,Pennsylvania’s total nonfarm jobs have reached a new high. “Pennsylvania’s total nonfarm jobs were up 9,500 over the month to a record high 6,190,300 in January.” The report indicates that job increases were seen in eight of the 11 industry supersectors, with education & health services leading the way.
Education & health services and other services reached record high job levels in january.
Over the year, “jobs were up 75,800 with gains in six of the 11 supersectors. Education & health services (+40,700) had the largest volume over-the-year gain.”
Annual Revisions to Labor Statistics
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) conducts annual revisions to adjust prior years’ monthly sample-based estimates.These revisions incorporate additional or revised information. “At the start of each year, the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) uses additional or revised information to adjust prior years’ monthly sample-based estimates.” These revisions also include updates to seasonal adjustment factors for historical labor force and nonfarm jobs data.
That process for Pennsylvania’s civilian labor force and nonfarm jobs data through 2024 has been completed and is reflected in the analysis of january’s preliminary data.
Additional Resources
For more information, visit www.dli.pa.gov or follow L&I on Facebook,X and LinkedIn.
# # #
Current Labor Force Statistics
Seasonally Adjusted
(in thousands)
| January 2025 | December 2024 | January 2024 | Change from December 2024 | Change from January 2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| volume | percent | volume | percent | ||||
| PA | |||||||
| Civilian Labor Force | 6,542 | 6,548 | 6,618 | -6 | -0.1% | -76 | -1.1% |
| Employment | 6,295 | 6,306 | 6,375 | -11 | -0.2% | -80 | -1.3% |
| Unemployment | 246 | 242 | 242 | 4 | 1.7% | 4 | 1.7% |
| Rate | 3.8 | 3.7 | 3.7 | 0.1 | —- | 0.1 | —- |
| U.S. | |||||||
| Civilian Labor Force | 170,744 | 168,547 | 167,339 | 2,197 | 1.3% | 3,405 | 2.0% |
| Employment | 163,895 | 161,661 | 161,190 | 2,234 | 1.4% | 2,705 | 1.7% |
| Unemployment | 6,849 | 6,886 | 6,149 | -37 | -0.5% | 700 | 11.4% |
| Rate | 4.0 | 4.1 | 3.7 | -0.1 | —- | 0.3 | —- |
Note: February 2025 labor force and nonfarm jobs statistics will be released on March 28th, 2025.
Pennsylvania Nonagricultural Wage and salary Employment
Seasonally Adjusted
(in thousands)
| January 2025 | December 2024 | January 2024 | Change from December 2024 | Change from january 2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| volume | percent | volume | percent | ||||
| Total Nonfarm Jobs | 6,190.3 | 6,180.8 | 6,114.5 | 9.5 | 0.2% | 75.8 | 1.2% |
| Goods Producing Industries | 842.6 | 841.3 | 848.0 | 1.3 | 0.2% | -5.4 | -0.6% |
| Mining & Logging | 21.4 | 21.3 | 22.2 | 0.1 | 0.5% | -0.8 | -3.6% |
| Construction | 261.9 | 261.1 | 260.6 | 0.8 | 0.3% | 1.3 | 0.5% |
| Manufacturing | 559.3 | 558.9 | 565.2 | 0.4 | 0.1% | -5.9 | -1.0% |
| Service Providing Industries | 5,347.7 | 5,339.5 | 5,266.5 | 8.2 | 0.2% | 81.2 | 1.5% |
| Trade,Transportation & Utilities | 1,139.9 | 1,138.9 | 1,135.9 | 1.0 | 0.1% | 4.0 | 0.4% |
| Information | 64.1 | 64.1 | 65.4 | 0.0 | 0.0% | -1.3 | -2.0% |
| Financial Activities | 337.0 | 336.8 | 334.8 | 0.2 | 0.1% | 2.2 | 0.7% |
| Professional & Business Services | 787.8 | 787.6 | 788.4 | 0.2 | 0.0% | -0.6 | -0.1% |
| education & Health Services | 1,449.3 | 1,444.2 | 1,408.6 | 5.1 | 0.4% | 40.7 | 2.9% |
| Leisure & Hospitality | 574.9 | 574.7 | 568.5 | 0.2 | 0.0% | 6.4 | 1.1% |
| Other Services | 269.9 | 269.8 | 264.3 | 0.1 | 0.0% | 5.6 | 2.1% |
| Government | 724.8 | 722.6 | 700.6 | 2.2 | 0.3% | 24.2 | 3.5% |
For a more detailed breakdown of seasonally adjusted jobs data at the sector level, please contact the Center for Workforce Information & Analysis at 1-877-4WF-DATA, or visit www.paworkstats.pa.gov
Note: February 2025 labor force and nonfarm jobs statistics will be released on March 28th,2025.