Anzhe Zhang

The latest job numbers from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) released last month shows that the unemployment rate in September reached an all time low in the commonwealth, mirroring national trends.

Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.1 percent in September, making it the lowest rate that the state has ever recorded, and 1.7 percent lower compared to the rate in September of last year.

The national unemployment rate also fell to 3.5 percent, 1.2 percent lower than at the same point last year.

“Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate dipping to 4.1 percent – which was last seen in April 2000 and is the lowest rate in records dating to 1976 – serves as a testament to Pennsylvanians’ resilience — their ability to bounce back from a crisis, provide for their families, and tackle the economic challenges of today and tomorrow,” Secretary Jennifer Berrier, L&I Secretary, said.

Though she cautioned that the state is still facing a tough job market and that “we must continue to invest in our workers and businesses to ensure Pennsylvania’s workforce system remains strong in the face of economic uncertainty.”

The number of employed Pennsylvanians in the civilian labor market rose by 10,000 in September, while the number of unemployed residents decreased by 8,000.

Job gains occurred in six of the 11 industry supersectors over the month. Government posted the biggest gain, rising by 12,400 jobs, while trade, transportation, and utilities, information, and professional and business services all posted gains in September that surpassed pre-pandemic numbers.

It’s estimated that around 91 percent of jobs lost during the first two months of the pandemic have been recovered by this point.