The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that unionized workers in the United States received a 6.3% increase in nominal wages in the 12 months ending in March, compared to a 4.1% increase for nonunion workers. This data indicates a positive trend for workers in the country.
For job seekers in Pennsylvania, the state offers a favorable employment landscape. The jobless rate in Pennsylvania remained at a record low of 3.4% in April, which is better than the national jobless rate of 3.9%. Maisum Murtaza, a research associate at the Keystone Research Center, noted that this positive trend has been ongoing for months, with the jobless rate staying between 3.2% and 3.4% over the past year. Murtaza explained that this low unemployment rate gives workers more leverage in the job market, leading to increased buying power.
In addition, Murtaza stated that real wages have started to increase over the last 12 months, as inflation has started to come under control. Pennsylvania saw an increase in nonfarm jobs, reaching a record high of over 6 million jobs, which is an increase of 2,600 jobs from the previous month. The state added 81,000 jobs to overall employment in the last year, with the education and health services industry leading the way.
Murtaza pointed out that the education and health services industry saw the largest percentage gains in employment over the last 12 months, with over 58,000 jobs added. The leisure and hospitality industry, which was hit hardest during the COVID-19 pandemic, is still in recovery. Government employment also saw significant growth in employment over the last year.
Pennsylvania aligns with a national trend of historically low unemployment rates for Black workers, despite a recent slight increase. This indicates an overall positive trend, with any fluctuations likely to be temporary in nature.