Philadelphia’s labor market entered 2026 with mixed signals, showing workforce growth alongside persistent economic strain. The April 2026 Philadelphia Works Inc. Quarterly Labor Market Report highlights a labor market shaped by rising unemployment claims, stagnant wage growth, and an expanding labor force.
While employment gains outpaced labor-force growth for the first time in several quarters and employer demand remained steady with more than 44,000 job postings concentrated in healthcare, education, and staffing sectors, unemployment continued to exceed state and national averages and wage growth lagged inflation, reducing purchasing power for many workers.
This report also examines the growing impact of Generative AI on the regional workforce, identifying administrative and clerical occupations as among the most exposed to transformation. Despite signs of resilience, persistent disparities by race, geography, and educational attainment continue to shape workforce outcomes, reinforcing the need for equitable workforce strategies that strengthen economic mobility and long-term regional competitiveness.
Read the full report below.
