Delaware’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in October rose slightly to 4.2%, from 4.1% in September.
The Delaware Department of Labor reported 21,400 unemployed Delawareans in October 2023 compared to 23,100 in October 2022.
The nation’s jobless rate was 3.9% in October 2023, up from 3.8% in September. In October 2022, the nation’s unemployment rate was 3.7%, while Delaware’s rate was 4.7%. The gap between Delaware and national jobless rates has been narrowing.
Delaware’s jobless rate has been above the national figure in recent years, after being among the lowest jobless rates in
In October 2023, seasonally adjusted nonfarm employment was 486,600, down from 487,600 in September. Since October 2022, Delaware’s total nonfarm jobs have increased by 10,100, an increase of 2.1%. Nationally, jobs during that period increased by 1.9%.
In its monthly commentary, the Department of Labor noted that wages in Delaware rose slightly faster than the rate of inflation, led by manufacturing which saw a 12% gain, followed by construction at 8%
However, wages in the key sectors of heath services, financial activities and private education declined, increasing the bite of inflation on those working in the key sectors of the economy.
