A worker welding in Bedford County, Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate remained at a historic low of 3.4% in October 2023, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.
State officials said the unemployment rate was unchanged from the previous month and marking a full percentage point decrease from October 2022
The state’s unemployment rate is lower than the national average, which saw a slight increase to 3.9%.
The state’s civilian labor force, comprising individuals working or actively seeking employment, saw a modest increase of 2,000 due to equal gains in resident employment and unemployment. Despite this growth, Pennsylvania’s total nonfarm jobs experienced a decrease of 4,700, settling at 6,168,100.
Out of the 11 supersectors, six witnessed job increases from September, with education and health services leading the way with an addition of 2,300 jobs, reaching a record high.
Over the year, total nonfarm jobs surged by 129,200, with gains recorded in 10 supersectors. Education and health services dominated and added 48,100 jobs.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that Bucks County saw its unemployment rate fall to 2.7 percent in September, the lowest since December 1999. September is the latest month data is available for the county.
According to state data, the largest employers in Bucks County are Giant Food Stores, Central Bucks School District, Doylestown Health, Bucks County government, Walmart, St. Mary Medical Center, Northtec, Grand View Health, Pennsbury School District, and Woods Services.
