HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.9 percent in May 2025, according to the latest report released by the Department of Labor & Industry (L&I). The state’s jobless rate continues to stay below the national rate, which also held steady at 4.2 percent for the month.
Compared to May 2024, Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate rose slightly by 0.3 percentage points, mirroring the national increase over the same period.
The state’s civilian labor force declined by 4,000 in May, settling at 6,545,000. This decrease was driven by a drop of 6,000 in employment, partially offset by a 2,000 increase in unemployment.
Despite this, Pennsylvania’s total nonfarm jobs hit a new record high for the 13th consecutive month, reaching 6,223,400, an increase of 2,000 from April. Job growth was recorded in four of the 11 industry supersectors, with leisure and hospitality leading the monthly gains, adding 2,500 positions to achieve a record high.
Year-over-year, nonfarm jobs in Pennsylvania grew by 89,200, with significant gains in education and health services, which added 46,300 positions since May 2024.
All data presented are seasonally adjusted to ensure valid month-to-month comparisons. The May 2025 statistics remain preliminary and are subject to revision.
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