The job market in Philadelphia is navigating a period of cautious optimism and adjustment. As of December 2024, employment in Philadelphia dipped moderately to 703,239, while the labor force eased to approximately 735,317. Despite this, the unemployment rate remained relatively stable at 4.4%, indicating a labor market seeking equilibrium.

The employment landscape is characterized by a mix of growth and challenges. Professional services have continued to lead in wage growth, whereas the manufacturing sector has faced significant headwinds. The city's economy has largely recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is now dealing with economic uncertainty, inflation, and labor shortages.

Key statistics show that the number of jobs in Philadelphia has been growing, albeit at a slowing pace since the post-pandemic recovery. From April 2020 to April 2021, there was a 9% increase in jobs, but by December 2023, the year-over-year growth had slowed to 2.5%. The labor force has seen fluctuations, with a record low unemployment rate of 3.7% in December 2023, though it has slightly increased since then.

Major industries in Philadelphia include Education and Health Services, which consistently provide the most jobs, followed by Professional and Business Services. The city's job economy is heavily driven by educational and medical institutions, as well as nonprofit organizations, which contributes to the stability of the job market but also results in lower profits compared to other cities.

Growing sectors include nonmanufacturing activities, which have edged up, and the commercial real estate market, particularly in retail and industrial segments. However, the office market remains stagnant. Tourism activity has normalized following the pandemic disruptions.

Seasonal patterns show that December is typically a slow month for home sales, but 2024 was a strong year with a large backlog of signed contracts entering 2025. Commuting trends are not explicitly detailed in recent reports, but the overall economic activity suggests a return to pre-pandemic norms.

Government initiatives are crucial in addressing skills mismatches, seasonal shifts, and cost-of-living concerns. Targeted policy interventions will be essential to ensure the labor market regains its resilience.

Recent developments include modest increases in employment and consumer spending, despite price-conscious consumers. Firms are expecting moderate economic growth over the next six months, though optimism has fallen among nonmanufacturing firms. Wage inflation continues to rise at a modest pace, with planned nominal wage increases of three percent or less for 2025.

Key findings indicate a resilient but cautious job market in Philadelphia, with a need for policy support to address ongoing challenges.

Current job openings include positions such as Data Analysts in professional services, Registered Nurses in Health Services, and Software Developers in the technology sector.

The job market in Philadelphia reflects a mix of resilience and challenges. As of the third quarter of 2024, the employment landscape showed stability despite some underlying issues. Employment numbers remained relatively stable, with 715,602 people employed, while the labor force was robust at 752,649. However, the unemployment rate edged higher to 4.9%, with 37,048 residents unemployed.

Key statistics indicate that professional services workers are experiencing healthy wage gains of 6.5%, whereas many service sector employees are seeing more modest increases. The healthcare and education sectors, which are the bedrock of Philadelphia’s economy, continue to drive employment but with slower wage growth compared to previous quarters.

Trends in the job market show careful calibration, with 118,390 job postings in the third quarter, reflecting more selective hiring practices. Notable disparities exist across the city, with higher unemployment rates concentrated in North, Northeast, and Southwest Philadelphia. This suggests a need for targeted support in these communities.

Major industries and employers in Philadelphia include Education and Health Services, which consistently provide the most jobs, and the Government sector. The city’s job economy is largely driven by these stable sectors, although private sector job growth lags behind other cities.

Growing sectors include Professional and Business Services, which has become the second highest source of jobs after Education and Health Services. The post-pandemic recovery has seen significant job growth, particularly in the period from April 2020 to April 2021, although the rate of growth has been declining since then.

Recent developments include a slight increase in employment in January 2025, following a modest rise in the previous period. However, manufacturing activity has edged down, and firms are facing challenges in finding skilled workers. Wages are rising at a modest pace, with nominal wage increases of three percent or less planned for 2025.

Seasonal patterns show that December is typically a slow month for home sales and construction, but 2024 was reported as a great year with a large backlog of signed contracts entering 2025. Commuting trends are not explicitly mentioned in recent reports, but the overall economic activity suggests a return to pre-pandemic norms.

Government initiatives are not detailed in the recent reports, but the need for targeted support in communities with higher unemployment rates is highlighted.

The market evolution indicates a return to the usual pre-pandemic pace of employment changes after the initial post-pandemic recovery. Despite the slowing pace of job growth, the overall trend remains positive.

Key findings include the stability of the labor force, the importance of Education and Health Services, and the challenges faced by firms in finding skilled workers.

Current job openings include positions in healthcare, such as nurses and medical assistants, roles in professional services like data analysts and software developers, and jobs in education, including teachers and administrative staff.

The job market in Philadelphia reflects a mix of resilience and challenges. As of the third quarter of 2024, the unemployment rate stood at 4.9%, with 37,048 unemployed residents, despite a robust labor force of 752,649 and total employment of 715,602. This stability is underscored by the fact that employment numbers have remained relatively steady, although the cost of living, particularly housing and everyday services, continues to rise faster than the national average.

The employment landscape is characterized by varying wage growth across sectors. Professional services workers are experiencing healthy wage gains of 6.5%, while many service sector employees face more modest increases. Healthcare and education, long the backbone of Philadelphia's economy, continue to drive employment but with slower wage growth compared to previous quarters.

Philadelphia's job market shows signs of careful calibration, with 118,390 job postings in the third quarter of 2024, indicating more selective hiring practices. Notable disparities exist across the city, with higher unemployment rates concentrated in North, Northeast, and Southwest Philadelphia, highlighting the need for targeted support in these communities.

Major industries in Philadelphia include Education and Health Services, which consistently provide the most jobs, followed by the Professional and Business Services sector. The city's job economy is largely driven by anchor institutions such as educational and medical institutions, and nonprofit organizations, rather than for-profit companies.

Growing sectors include the tech industry, which is booming with significant demand for cybersecurity, AI, and cloud computing professionals. These roles offer salaries over $120,000, with cybersecurity alone projected to grow by 32%. Data science is also a crucial and growing field, with companies like Comcast and Vanguard actively seeking data talent.

Recent developments include major funding initiatives transforming Philadelphia into a tech hub, with billions in potential funding on the horizon. This has led to a surge in tech job postings, exceeding 500,000 monthly, and an average tech salary of $121,187.

Seasonal patterns show that job growth has been high since mid-2021 but has been declining in rate. The dramatic year-over-year growth of 2021 reflects the economy’s recovery from pandemic-related job losses, while the relative decline in growth in 2022 and 2023 indicates a return to pre-pandemic growth rates.

Commuting trends and government initiatives are less detailed in recent reports, but it is clear that the city is focusing on supporting specific communities with higher unemployment rates.

Key findings include the resilience of Philadelphia's labor market, the importance of Education and Health Services, and the burgeoning tech sector. Here are a few current job openings:

- **Cybersecurity Engineer**: With a salary range of $120,000 to $150,000, this role involves protecting computer systems and networks from cyber threats.
- **Data Scientist**: Offering salaries between $72,254 and $110,388, this position involves analyzing and interpreting complex data to drive business decisions.
- **Cloud Computing Specialist**: With salaries ranging from $126,484 to $149,032, this role involves managing and maintaining cloud-based systems for various companies.

Overall, Philadelphia's job market is evolving with a strong focus on tech and continued stability in traditional sectors.

The job market in Philadelphia is experiencing significant growth and transformation, particularly in the tech sector. As of 2025, Philadelphia's tech scene is booming, ranking 18th nationally with 235,000 tech positions. The average tech salary has reached $121,187, making it one of the fastest-growing tech markets in the country.

The employment landscape is dominated by sectors such as Healthcare, Retail & Hospitality, and Business & Financial Services, which account for over 80% of the jobs in the target sectors. However, the Technology Services sector is seeing rapid growth, with job postings exceeding 500,000 monthly. Cybersecurity, AI, and cloud computing are in high demand, with cybersecurity roles projected to grow by 32% and offering salaries over $120,000.

Statistics show that the unemployment rate in Philadelphia has been relatively stable, reaching a record low of 3.7% in December 2023, though it has slightly increased to 4.9% in Q3 2024. Despite this, the labor force remains robust, with total employment holding steady at 715,602.

Major industries driving employment include Healthcare and Education, which continue to be the bedrock of Philadelphia’s economy, although with slower wage growth in recent quarters. Professional services workers are seeing healthy wage gains of 6.5%, while service sector employees face more modest increases.

Growing sectors include Technology Services, which has seen significant growth, especially in the last few years. Companies like Comcast and startups backed by accelerator programs have raised over $1.85 billion in funding, boosting the tech sector.

Recent developments indicate a careful calibration in the job market, with more selective hiring practices reflected in 118,390 job postings in Q3 2024. Notable disparities exist across the city, with higher unemployment rates concentrated in North, Northeast, and Southwest Philadelphia.

There are no specific data on commuting trends or seasonal patterns in the recent reports, but government initiatives are focused on transforming Philadelphia into a tech powerhouse with major funding initiatives.

The market evolution is marked by a shift towards skills over credentials, with companies hiring beyond traditional requirements. Data science, for example, is crucial across various industries, with entry-level positions offering salaries between $60,000 to $75,000 and experienced professionals earning over $100,000.

Key findings include the robust growth in the tech sector, stable employment numbers despite slight increases in unemployment, and the importance of skills in emerging technologies.

Current job openings include:
- Cybersecurity Engineer with a salary range of $120,360
- Data Scientist with a salary range of $72,254 to $110,388
- Cloud Computing Specialist with a salary range of $126,484 to $149,032.

The job market in Philadelphia reflects a mix of stability and challenges. As of the third quarter of 2024, the unemployment rate stood at 4.9%, with 37,048 unemployed residents, despite a robust labor force of 752,649 and total employment of 715,602. This period saw professional services workers experiencing healthy wage gains of 6.5%, while service sector employees faced more modest increases. Healthcare and education, cornerstone industries in Philadelphia, continued to drive employment but with slower wage growth compared to previous quarters.

The cost of living in Philadelphia, particularly in housing and everyday services, is rising faster than the national average. The job market is characterized by selective hiring practices, with 118,390 job postings in the third quarter, and notable disparities in unemployment rates, with higher rates concentrated in North, Northeast, and Southwest Philadelphia.

Major industries in Philadelphia include healthcare, education, and government jobs, which have traditionally helped the city avoid the volatility seen in metros with a single dominant industry. Key employers include the Federal Government, the City of Philadelphia, the University of Pennsylvania, the School District of Philadelphia, and several major hospitals such as Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.

The tech sector is experiencing significant growth, with cybersecurity, AI, and cloud computing professionals in high demand. These roles offer salaries over $120,000, and the sector is projected to continue growing, driven by companies like Comcast and startups backed by accelerator programs. Data science is also a growing field, with companies seeking talent in data analysis and visualization.

Recent developments include a surge in tech job postings, exceeding 500,000 monthly, and the city ranking 18th nationally with 235,000 tech positions. The average tech salary has reached $121,187, making Philadelphia one of the fastest-growing tech markets.

Seasonal patterns show that while overall employment has recovered to pre-COVID levels, economic uncertainty surrounding inflation and rising interest rates persists. Government initiatives are focused on supporting targeted communities with higher unemployment rates.

In conclusion, Philadelphia's job market is evolving with a strong emphasis on tech and professional services, while traditional sectors like healthcare and education remain vital. Key findings include the rising demand for tech skills, the importance of data science, and the need for targeted support in specific communities.

Current job openings include:
- Cybersecurity Analyst with a salary range of $120,000 to $150,000
- Data Scientist with a salary range of $72,254 to $110,388
- Cloud Computing Specialist with a salary range of $126,484 to $149,032

The job market in Philadelphia reflects a mix of stability and challenges. As of the third quarter of 2024, the unemployment rate stood at 4.9%, with 37,048 unemployed residents, although the labor force remained robust at 752,649 and total employment held steady at 715,602[1].

The employment landscape is dominated by sectors such as Healthcare, Retail & Hospitality, and Business & Financial Services, which together account for over 80% of the jobs in the target sectors. Healthcare and Retail & Hospitality have been the largest job creators, adding significant numbers of jobs over the past decade. However, there has been a decline in middle-skill jobs, while low-skill and high-skill jobs have seen growth[2].

Recent statistics show that the cost of living in Philadelphia, particularly housing and everyday services, continues to rise faster than the national average. Despite this, professional services workers have seen healthy wage gains of 6.5%, while service sector employees have experienced more modest increases[1].

Trends indicate that the job market is undergoing careful calibration, with more selective hiring practices reflected in the 118,390 job postings in the third quarter of 2024. Notable disparities exist across the city, with higher unemployment rates concentrated in North, Northeast, and Southwest Philadelphia[1].

Major industries include Healthcare, Retail & Hospitality, and Business & Financial Services. Key employers in the city include Comcast Corporation, Aramark Corporation, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and Temple University[5].

Growing sectors in Philadelphia include Technology Services, particularly cybersecurity, AI, and cloud computing, which are experiencing significant demand and high salaries. Cybersecurity alone is projected to grow by 32%, with 38,000 job openings anticipated[4].

Recent developments highlight Philadelphia's booming tech scene, with major funding initiatives transforming the city into a tech powerhouse. The tech sector is supported by companies like Comcast and startups backed by accelerator programs, which have raised over $1.85 billion in funding[4].

Seasonal patterns and commuting trends are not extensively detailed in recent data, but it is noted that the overall labor force has shown resilience despite economic uncertainties.

Government initiatives and market evolution suggest a focus on targeted support for specific communities and sectors. Projections indicate that six of the seven target sectors are expected to grow through 2024, although at a slightly slower pace than in recent years[2].

Key findings include the stability of the labor force, the growth in tech sectors, and the ongoing challenges related to the cost of living and unemployment disparities.

Current job openings include:
- Cybersecurity professionals at companies like Comcast, with salaries over $120,000.
- Data scientists in various industries, offering salaries between $60,000 to over $100,000.
- Software developers, particularly those skilled in React and Angular, with salaries ranging from $98,008 to $129,267.

The job market in Philadelphia reflects a mix of resilience and challenges. As of the third quarter of 2024, the unemployment rate stood at 4.9%, with the number of unemployed residents increasing to 37,048, despite a robust labor force of 752,649 and total employment of 715,602[1].

The employment landscape is dominated by sectors such as Healthcare, Retail & Hospitality, and Business & Financial Services, which together account for over 80% of the jobs in the target sectors. Healthcare and Retail & Hospitality have been the primary drivers of job creation, adding an average of 2,400 and 1,400 new jobs per year, respectively, between 2006 and 2016[2].

Professional services workers have seen significant wage gains of 6.5%, while service sector employees have experienced more modest increases. However, the cost of living in Philadelphia, particularly in housing and everyday services, continues to rise faster than the national average[1].

The tech sector is a growing area, with Philadelphia ranking 18th nationally in tech positions. Cybersecurity, AI, and cloud computing are in high demand, offering salaries over $120,000. The average tech salary in Philadelphia has reached $121,187, with tech job postings exceeding 500,000 monthly[4].

Major employers in Philadelphia include Comcast Corporation, Aramark Corporation, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and Temple University. These companies offer a range of positions from telecommunications and customer service to healthcare and education[5].

Recent developments indicate that six of the seven target sectors are expected to grow through 2024, although at a slightly slower pace than in recent years. The tech sector, in particular, is booming, with significant funding initiatives transforming the city into a tech hub[2][4].

Seasonal patterns show that while overall employment has recovered to pre-COVID levels in most industries, there are fluctuations in the labor force and employment numbers. For instance, the labor force fell by roughly 6,200 in the fourth quarter of 2023, despite a year-over-year positive trend[3].

Commuting trends suggest flexibility, with many companies offering remote work options, such as Comcast and Dechert LLP. This flexibility is a notable perk in the current job market[5].

Government initiatives and market evolution are focused on supporting targeted communities with higher unemployment rates, such as North, Northeast, and Southwest Philadelphia. There is also an emphasis on developing middle-skill jobs, which have seen modest growth in some sectors[1][2].

Key findings include the robustness of the labor force, the dominance of healthcare and retail sectors, the growing importance of the tech industry, and the need for targeted support in specific communities.

Current job openings include:
- Cybersecurity Specialist at Comcast Corporation, offering salaries over $120,000.
- Data Scientist at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, with salaries ranging from $60,000 to over $100,000.
- Software Developer at Aramark Corporation, with salaries between $98,008 and $129,267.

The job market in Philadelphia reflects a mix of resilience and challenges. As of the third quarter of 2024, the unemployment rate stood at 4.9%, with 37,048 unemployed residents, although the labor force remained robust at 752,649 and total employment held steady at 715,602[1].

Employment in Philadelphia is dominated by the healthcare, retail and hospitality, and business and financial services sectors, which together account for a significant portion of the city's jobs. The business and financial services sector alone accounts for 16.8% of total employment[3].

Recent statistics show that the unemployment rate has fluctuated but remains lower than the long-term average of 6.05%. As of December 2024, the unemployment rate was at 4.0%, down from 4.1% the previous month and up from 3.4% a year ago[2].

Professional services workers have seen healthy wage gains of 6.5%, while service sector employees have experienced more modest increases. However, the cost of living, particularly in housing and everyday services, continues to rise faster than the national average[1].

The cybersecurity sector is one of the growing areas in Philadelphia, with over 8,800 job openings and salaries 20% above the national average. Key growth areas include healthcare, financial services, and government, with high demand for skills in cloud security, AI-powered tools, and risk management[5].

Major employers in Philadelphia include companies like Comcast, Vanguard, and Independence Blue Cross, which are actively seeking cybersecurity professionals. The city's tech scene is expanding, with 72% of local organizations planning to grow their cybersecurity departments by 2027[5].

Seasonal patterns show some variability in unemployment rates, but overall, the labor market has been relatively stable. There are notable disparities in unemployment rates across different areas of the city, with higher rates concentrated in North, Northeast, and Southwest Philadelphia[1].

Government initiatives and market evolution are focused on addressing these disparities and supporting targeted communities. The city is also seeing a shift towards skills-based hiring, particularly in the tech and cybersecurity sectors, where certifications and hands-on experience are valued over traditional degrees[5].

Key findings include a stable labor force, rising costs of living, and significant growth in the cybersecurity sector. The job market is calibrated with more selective hiring practices, and there is a strong need for targeted support in specific communities.

Current job openings include:
- Cybersecurity Analyst at Independence Blue Cross, with salaries starting at $60,000 and potential for higher earnings with certifications.
- Information Security Analyst at Comcast, requiring skills in cloud security and incident response.
- Network Security Engineer at Vanguard, with a median salary of $119,000 and opportunities for continuous learning and certification programs.

The job market in Philadelphia is undergoing significant changes and growth, particularly as the city recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. The employment landscape varies across different scenarios, with some projections indicating overall growth and others suggesting uneven or stunted recovery. In the most optimistic scenario, Philadelphia could see job growth across communities and skill levels, reaching a total employment of 774,900 by mid-2025, up about 36,100 from pre-pandemic numbers. However, less optimistic scenarios predict job totals ranging from 754,500 to as low as 704,800, depending on factors like in-person activity and business investment[1].

As of December 2024, the unemployment rate in Philadelphia stands at 4.0%, which is lower than the long-term average of 6.05%. This rate has been trending downward, with a record low of 3.7% recorded in December 2023. Despite this, the labor force has seen a slight decrease, and average hourly wages for private employees in Philadelphia County have fallen by 6.2% year-over-year[2][4].

Major industries in Philadelphia include telecommunications, retail and wholesale, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Key employers such as Comcast Corporation, Aramark Corporation, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and Temple University play significant roles in the job market. The tech sector is particularly booming, with high demand for roles in cybersecurity, AI, and cloud computing, offering salaries over $120,000. Companies are increasingly valuing skills over traditional credentials, and tech job postings exceed 500,000 monthly[3][5].

Recent developments include significant funding for tech hubs and accelerator programs, which have raised over $1.85 billion. This has contributed to Philadelphia ranking 18th nationally in tech positions, with 235,000 jobs available. The city's transformation into a major tech market is driven by companies like Comcast and various startups[5].

Seasonal patterns show fluctuations in unemployment rates, with higher rates typically observed in the summer months and lower rates in the winter. Commuting trends are influenced by the availability of remote work options, which several major employers offer, such as Comcast and Aramark[3].

Government initiatives focus on navigating economic uncertainty, including inflation and labor shortages. Despite these challenges, the overall labor force remains positive year-over-year, indicating a resilient job market[4].

In conclusion, Philadelphia's job market is characterized by a mix of recovery and growth, with a strong emphasis on the tech sector. Key industries and employers continue to drive employment, and recent developments suggest a promising future for the city's economy.

Current job openings include:
- **Comcast Corporation**: Customer Account Manager, with flexible work schedules and benefits like fuel discounts and yearly bonuses.
- **Aramark Corporation**: Administrative Manager, offering commuter assistance and the option to work from home.
- **FMC Corporation**: Sustainability Environmental Engineer, providing health insurance, stock options, and the ability to work from home[3].

The job market in Philadelphia is diverse and evolving, influenced by various economic scenarios and industry trends. As of 2025, the city's employment landscape is marked by several possible recovery paths. In the most optimistic scenario, Philadelphia could see overall growth with job totals reaching 774,900 by mid-2025, up about 36,100 from pre-pandemic levels, driven by high in-person activity and new business creation. However, less favorable scenarios predict uneven gains or even a decline in employment, particularly in sectors like leisure and hospitality, which could result in total employment of around 727,700, down about 1.5% from pre-pandemic levels[1].

The unemployment rate in Philadelphia stands at 4.00% as of December 2024, which is lower than the long-term average of 6.05%. This rate has been trending downward, indicating a recovering job market[2].

Major industries in Philadelphia include Healthcare, Retail & Hospitality, and Business & Financial Services, which collectively account for a significant portion of the city's employment. The tech sector is also booming, with Philadelphia ranking 18th nationally in tech positions, and high demand for roles in cybersecurity, AI, and cloud computing. Companies like Comcast and various startups are driving this growth, with tech salaries averaging around $121,187[5].

Recent developments highlight the growth in tech job postings, exceeding 500,000 monthly, and significant funding initiatives transforming Philadelphia into a tech hub. Cybersecurity roles are seeing a 32% growth rate, while AI and ML engineers are in high demand with roles increasing by 35%[5].

Seasonal patterns in employment are evident, particularly in sectors like retail and hospitality, which tend to see fluctuations based on seasonal demand. Commuting trends are not extensively detailed in recent data, but the overall employment growth suggests a stable workforce.

Government initiatives and market evolution are focused on enhancing the city's attractiveness and competitiveness. The city government's five-year fiscal plan incorporates scenarios of uneven gains, reflecting efforts to balance economic recovery across different sectors[1].

Key findings indicate a resilient job market with significant growth in the tech sector, stable unemployment rates, and a diverse employment landscape. Here are a few current job openings: Cybersecurity Engineer with an average salary of $120,360, AI/ML Engineer with salaries up to $160,000, and Software Developer roles offering between $98,008 to $129,267 annually[5].