Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate was unchanged over the month at 3.9% in May, according to a preliminary report for the month issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry.

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

Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate was three-tenths of a percentage point above the May 2024 level of 3.6%, mirroring the U.S. rate increase from last May.

The state’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 nonfarm 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 and hospitality, which added 2,500 jobs over the month. Leisure and 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 and health services (plus 46,300) had the largest volume increase since May 2024.

Additional information is available on the L&I website at www.dli.pa.gov or by following the department on Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

The above data are seasonally adjusted, which provide the most valid month-to-month comparison.

May 2025 data are preliminary and subject to revision.