State jobless rate stays at 5.4 percent
Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate was 5.4 percent in July, the same as June, according to figures released Friday by the state Department of Labor & Industry.
That rate is slightly above the July national figure of 5.3 percent, which likewise was unchanged from the previous month. Pennsylvania’s rate is 0.1 points below its July 2014 figure.
Labor & Industry’s data are seasonally adjusted, making them the most reliable numbers for monthly comparisons.
the most valid month-to-month comparison.
The civilian labor force rose by only 1,000 across the state during the month, to 6,426,000. Resident employment dropped by 1,000 and unemployment rose by 2,000.
Nonfarm jobs increased by 8,000 in July to 5,856,100 — up 66,500 over the year. Private sector jobs rose by 8,000 and government jobs were flat.
The nonfarm year-by-year growth was primarily in private industry, with the largest gains occurring in trade; transportation and utilities; education and health services; and leisure and hospitality. More than 10,000 jobs were added in each category since July 2014.
The financial activities segment had the largest gain (5,000-plus), manufacturing (-2,200) had the biggest decline (2,200). Education and health services reached a record high for the third month in row.