HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania’s seasonally adjusted civilian labor force –– the number of people working or looking for work –– rose by 66,000 residents in September to 6,328,000, reaching its highest level since January.
Resident employment was up by 63,000 persons in September, while unemployment increased 4,000. Since September 2006, the civilian labor force and employment were up by 11,000 and 23,000, respectively, while unemployment was down 11,000.
Pennsylvania’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 4.5 percent for the second consecutive month. The state’s unemployment rate remained below the nation’s rate of 4.7 percent in September for the eighth consecutive month.
Pennsylvania’s seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs count increased by 3,300 jobs in September, posting a record-high level of 5,805,900. Service providing industries also posted a record-high level of 4,866,600 jobs in September with two sectors – trade, transportation & utilities and education & health services – posting record highs.
Pennsylvania has added 177,700 jobs since January 2003.
