Workforce
Greater Hazleton’s Dedicated Workforce
Greater Hazleton is known for its high-quality, reliable, skilled workforce. Companies also find that the proximity of Greater Hazleton to Interstates 80 and 81 provides access to a population of over 1.1 million people with a civilian workforce of more than 545,000 within a 60-mile ‘commute shed’ radius.
Employment By Occupation
| Greater Hazleton Area | Luzerne/Schuylkill | NEPA | |
| Occupation | Estimate / Percentage | Estimate / Percentage | Estimate / Percentage |
| Civilian employed population 16 years and over | 37,903 | 231,447 | 552,233 |
| Unemployement Rate | 4.0% | 3.7% | 3.7% |
| Mean Commute Time (minutes) | 23.9 | 25.3 | 27.6 |
| Transportation and Material Moving | 24.8% | 16.8% | 13.3% |
| Production | 12.4% | 9.2% | 7.2% |
| Office and Administrative Support | 10.8% | 10.9% | 11.2% |
| Sales and Related | 7.2% | 7.7% | 8.7% |
| Food Preparation and Services Related | 5.7% | 7.0% | 8.6% |
Wages
| Greater Hazleton Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates | ||
| “Top 10” Occupations | Employment | Average Annual Salary |
| Labor Force Participation (civilian population 16 years and over) | 37,903 | $52,524 |
| Transportation and Material Moving | 23.3% | $45,700 |
| Production | 11.6% | $47,800 |
| Office and Administrative Support | 10.1% | $45,300 |
| Sales and Related | 6.8% | $45,900 |
| Food Preparation and Services Related | 5.3% | $31,100 |
| Management | 4.6% | $115,000 |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | 4.0% | $57,000 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | 3.9% | $87,800 |
| Educational Instruction and Library | 3.3% | $64,200 |
| Health Care Support | 3.2% | $35,300 |
Educational Attainment
| Greater Hazleton Area | Luzerne/Schuylkill | NEPA | |
| Educational Attainment | Estimate / Percentage | Estimate / Percentage | Estimate / Percentage |
| No High School Diploma | 15.5% | 9.3% | 8.3% |
| High School Graduate | 36.8% | 38.4% | 36.8% |
| Some College, No Degree | 17.0% | 17.2% | 17.7% |
| Associate’s Degree | 11.0% | 12.1% | 11.2% |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 13.1% | 15.4% | 16.6% |
| Postgraduate Degree | 6.5% | 7.7% | 9.4% |
| Percent high school graduate or higher | 84.4% | 90.8% | 91.7% |
| Percent bachelor’s degree or higher | 19.6% | 23.1% | 26.0% |
Education
Greater Hazleton is home to several esteemed educational institutions that play a pivotal role in supporting local industries by offering specialized training programs tailored to meet workforce demands. These institutions include Penn State Hazleton, Luzerne County Community College (LCCC), Lackawanna College, and Johnson College, each contributing uniquely to the region’s educational landscape.
15
Colleges and Universities 100+ Degree Programs Offered
50k
Studenets Enrolled
11k
Graduating Annually
Penn State Hazleton offers an industrial maintenance program culminating in an Advanced Process Automation certificate. This program encompasses courses in industrial mathematics, electricity, motor controls, and programmable logic controllers, equipping students with essential skills for modern industrial environments. Additionally, the campus provides an Alternative Energy and Power Generation track within its General Engineering degree, preparing graduates for careers in the burgeoning alternative and renewable energy sectors.
Established in September 2000, LCCC’s Hazleton Center is conveniently located in the Broad Street Exchange building in downtown Hazleton. The center offers both day and evening classes, enabling students to pursue various courses and complete specific degree programs with some online components. Programs available at the Hazleton Center include Associate of Science degrees in General Studies, Business Management, Psychology, and Associate of Applied Science degrees in Early Childhood Education.
Located in the historic Traders Bank Building in downtown Hazleton, Lackawanna College’s Hazleton Center provides accessible education tailored to the community’s needs. The center empowers students to succeed within a supportive college environment, offering comprehensive academic support. Programs available at the Hazleton Center include English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, ESL to Certificate pathways, and College Prep courses designed to prepare students for collegiate success.
Johnson College’s Hazleton campus, located at the CAN DO Training Center in the Humboldt Industrial Park, is dedicated to delivering industry-focused, hands-on education. The campus features specialized classrooms and lab spaces for its programs, along with a resource center accessible to all students. Programs offered include academic certificates in Welding Technology, Industrial Technology, Building and Property Maintenance, and an associate degree in Electrical Construction Technology. These programs are designed to equip students with practical skills aligned with industry standards, ensuring they are workforce-ready upon graduation. Collectively, these institutions are instrumental in fostering a skilled workforce in Greater Hazleton. By offering specialized programs and training opportunities, they address the evolving needs of local industries, thereby contributing to the region’s economic growth and vitality.
Colleges in the Area
