Pennsylvania Unemployment Rate Remains Steady at 3.8 Percent in March

Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate was unchanged over the month at 3.8 percent in March. The Commonwealth’s rate remained below the U.S. unemployment rate which rose one-tenth of a percentage point over the month to 4.2 percent.

The Commonwealth’s unemployment rate was two-tenths of a percentage point above the March 2024 level of 3.6 percent, while the national rate was up three-tenths of a percentage point over the year.

Pennsylvania’s civilian labor force – the estimated number of residents working or looking for work – was up 3,000 over the month to 6,542,000 in March. Resident unemployment (up 4,000) drove the increase.

Pennsylvania’s total nonfarm jobs were up 20,900 over the month to 6,217,700 in March, the 11th consecutive record high. Jobs increased from February in seven of the 11 industry supersectors. Education & health services and leisure & hospitality each added 6,500 jobs over the month. Both education & health services and other services rose to record high levels in March.

Over the year, jobs were up 86,700 with gains in seven of the 11 supersectors. Education & health services (+48,500) had the largest volume increase since March 2024.