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WILKES-BARRE — A record high for jobs was set for the 15th consecutive month in Pennsylvania, according to the state Department of Labor & Industry’s employment situation report for June.
The L&I report released Friday shows Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate declined two-tenths of a percentage point from May to 4.3 percent — the lowest rate in 11 years (June 2007).
The commonwealth’s rate remained above the U.S. rate, which rose by two-tenths of a percentage point to 4.0 percent. Over the year, the Pennsylvania unemployment rate declined by one-half of a percentage point.
The estimated number of Pennsylvania residents working or looking for work — known as the civilian labor force — was essentially unchanged in June at 6,363,000, as a drop in unemployment over the month was matched by a gain in employment. Over the year, the civilian labor force was down by 61,000 due to declines in both employment and unemployment.
The estimated number of jobs in Pennsylvania, referred to as total non-farm jobs, was up 4,000 from May to a record high of 6,016,900. Highlights from this month’s jobs report include:
• 15th consecutive month jobs established a record high level.
• Jobs were up in six of the 11 industry super-sectors.
• Leisure and hospitality experienced the largest super-sector gain, up 3,600 in June.
• Total non-farm jobs in Pennsylvania were up 1.3 percent from June 2017.
• During this period, nine super-sectors added jobs with increases ranging from 33,600 in education and health services to 2,000 in mining and logging.
• Nationally, jobs were up 1.6 percent over the year.
Additional information is available on the L&I website at www.dli.pa.gov or by following on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.