HARRISBURG, Pa. (EYT) — Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry released its latest employment report showing Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate declined to 4.3 percent in January 2026, matching the national rate.
The rate dropped one-tenth of a percentage point from December, while remaining slightly higher than January 2025’s rate of 4.1 percent.
Pennsylvania’s civilian labor force grew by 12,000 over the month to 6,583,000. Employment rose by 17,000, while the number of unemployed residents declined by 5,000.
The state also reached a new milestone in job growth. Total nonfarm jobs increased by 17,900 in January to a record high of 6,201,900.
Job gains were reported in five of the state’s 11 industry sectors, with the largest increase coming in education and health services, which added 10,000 jobs and also reached a record high. The construction sector also set a new record.
Over the past year, Pennsylvania has added 35,500 jobs, with growth occurring in seven of the 11 major industry sectors.
Officials noted that the data is seasonally adjusted, providing a clearer month-to-month comparison, and January figures remain preliminary and subject to revision.
Additional employment data and updates are available through the Department of Labor & Industry.