Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate remains at 3.9% in May

Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate was unchanged over the month at 3.9% in May.

The Commonwealth’s rate remained below the U.S. unemployment rate, which was also unchanged over the month at 4.2%.

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) on Friday released its preliminary employment situation report for May 2025.

The Commonwealth’s unemployment rate was three-tenths of a percentage point above the May 2024 level of 3.6% — mirroring the US rate increase from last May.

Pennsylvania’s civilian labor force — the estimated number of residents working or looking for work — was down 4,000 over the month to 6,545,000 in May. Employment — down 6,000 from April — drove the decline, while unemployment rose 2,000 over the month.

Pennsylvania’s total non-farm jobs were up 2,000 over the month to 6,223,400 in May — the 13th consecutive record high.

Jobs increased from April in four of the 11 industry supersectors. The largest movement was in leisure & hospitality, which added 2,500 jobs over the month. Leisure & hospitality and other services rose to record high levels in May.

Over the year, jobs were up 89,200, with gains in seven of the 11 supersectors. Education & health services (+46,300) had the largest volume increase since May 2024.

Note: The above data are seasonally adjusted. Seasonally adjusted data provide the most valid month-to-month comparison. May 2025 data are preliminary and subject to revision.

Source; Tmes Leader