PHILADELPHIA – Mayor Jim Kenney and Commerce Director Harold T. Epps announced today that Philadelphia’s job count for October 2016 was 708,600, the highest monthly job number for October since 1991.
“The latest employment data is an indicator of the positive work being done in Philadelphia,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “Our Administration is working tirelessly to ensure that residents in all neighborhoods can be part of the amazing growth and prosperity taking place in our city, and I look forward to seeing this trend continue.”
According to preliminary data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for October 2016:
- There are 708,600 jobs in Philadelphia, an increase of 7,900 from September 2016 and 13,400 from October 2015.
- The October 2016 job numbers represent the most jobs the city has maintained during the month of October in a quarter century.
- Jobs were added in the following industries: trade, transportation and utilities; information; professional and business services; education and health services; leisure and hospitality; government.
- 49,995 Philadelphians are unemployed, down from 50,117 in September 2016. The unemployment rate remains at 7% for the second straight month.
- Philadelphia’s average number of jobs for 2016 is currently 696,600 – 12,100 more than the 2015 average.
“These figures, the highest October job numbers in 25 years, are the latest in a series of wins for Philadelphia’s business community,” said Commerce Director Harold T. Epps. “In 2016 we have announced that major companies like Aramark, Five Below and Yards Brewing will not only remain in Philadelphia, but also move to larger locations and add a number of well-paying jobs. The Department of Commerce will work to keep this progress going by supporting the growth of existing businesses, attracting new companies, and undertaking new developments throughout the city.”
For more information visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics website.