Pennsylvania jobless rate hits 7-year low as payrolls rise
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate dropped in February for the third straight month, hitting a post-recession low of 5 percent as payrolls climbed to a record high.
Following a five-year revision to employment data, Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate issued Friday by the state Department of Labor and Industry is the lowest since 2008.
It’s down two-tenths of a percentage point from January. The national rate was 4.7 percent in February.
A survey of employers found that seasonally adjusted non-farm payrolls rose by 12,500 in February to a record high above 5.9 million.
A household survey found that the civilian labor force shrank by 6,000 in February. Employment rose by 7,000 to a record high above 6.1 million while unemployment dropped by 12,000 to 321,000, the lowest since 2008.
Friday’s figures are preliminary and could change.