{"schema_version": 1, "id": "springfield-ma-msa/metro-job-market/2026-10", "product": "Metro Job Market Pulse", "metro": {"geography_id": 411, "label": "Springfield, MA MSA", "slug": "springfield-ma-msa"}, "focus_area": {"key": "general_conditions", "slug": "metro-job-market", "label": "General Market Conditions"}, "period": "2026-10", "public_after": "2026-10-01", "frozen_at": "2026-11-03T08:07:04.937202+00:00", "headline": "Springfield adds jobs even as county unemployment climbs to 5.7%", "headline_summary": "Springfield posted 1.1% year-over-year job growth through August, Massachusetts's third-best among metros, yet Hampden County unemployment rose to 5.7% as plant-closure layoffs at Smithfield and CRRC MA concentrated job losses in manufacturing.", "key_indicators": [{"label": "Hampden County unemployment", "value": "5.7%", "context": "Up from 5.1% in June 2026"}, {"label": "Springfield metro job growth", "value": "1.1% YoY", "context": "3rd-highest among MA metros, Aug 2025-26"}, {"label": "Hampden County wage growth", "value": "4.0% YoY", "context": "vs 2.3% New England, 2.4-4.1% national"}, {"label": "2026 WARN-affected workers", "value": "1,295", "context": "Across 11 notices, led by two plant closures"}], "takeaways": [{"headline": "Job growth and rising unemployment are both true at once.", "body": "Springfield added jobs at a 1.1% year-over-year clip through August \u2014 third-best among Massachusetts metros \u2014 while Hampden County unemployment rose from 5.1% to 5.7% over the same window. The combination suggests labor force churn and plant-specific layoffs are driving the shift, with no sign of a broad-based slowdown in demand."}, {"headline": "Manufacturing closures carry outsized local weight.", "body": "Smithfield Packaged Meats' 190-worker closure and CRRC MA's 341-worker reduction account for roughly 41% of the metro's 1,295 WARN-notice-affected workers in 2026. Interior Massachusetts metros with thinner knowledge-economy clusters absorb single-employer shocks harder than Boston-area peers, a dynamic worth tracking for diversification planning."}, {"headline": "Wage growth here is outrunning the state and the nation.", "body": "Hampden County's 4.0% year-over-year advertised wage growth compares to Massachusetts's 2.3% New England nominal figure and the national 2.4%-to-4.1% range depending on measure. That gap may suggest localized competition for specific skill sets even as the broader labor pool loosens."}, {"headline": "CDL driver and electrician pay point to infrastructure-adjacent strength.", "body": "Metro CDL Truck Driver pay ($83,566, up moderately) and Electrician pay ($83,200, up moderately) both outpace their national medians, consistent with continued regional logistics and construction activity. Commerce leaders weighing expansion should note these trades are pricing above national norms, a potential cost input for site-selection decisions."}], "local_conditions": "Hampden County unemployment climbed to 5.7% in August after bottoming at 5.1% in June, even as the Springfield metro posted the third-highest year-over-year job growth among Massachusetts metros at 1.1% between August 2025 and August 2026. The divergence appears to reflect concentrated layoff activity \u2014 11 WARN notices affecting 1,295 workers in 2026, including Smithfield Packaged Meats' 190-worker sausage plant closure and CRRC MA's 341-worker reduction \u2014 landing on a manufacturing-heavy base with fewer alternative employers to absorb displaced workers.", "implications": "Advertised wage growth of 4.0% year-over-year in Hampden County outpaces both the Massachusetts average and national wage-vs-inflation trends, a signal that pockets of local demand remain tight even as headline unemployment rises \u2014 a pattern commerce leaders should read as uneven momentum within a labor market that is not broadly softening. Public-sector and healthcare employment stability likely cushions the metro against manufacturing-driven layoff volatility, but the concentration of job losses in a handful of named plants means local economic development tracking should weight employer-specific exposure more heavily than it would in a more diversified metro. Consider reviewing which sectors are absorbing displaced manufacturing workers over the next two quarters before drawing conclusions about the metro's underlying resilience.", "looking_ahead": [{"category": "Early indicator", "body": "Watch whether Hampden County's unemployment rate stabilizes or continues climbing in the September and October BLS releases; a third consecutive rise would undercut the narrative that 2026 layoffs are one-off, plant-specific events."}, {"category": "Emerging pressure point", "body": "Track whether workers displaced from Smithfield's August plant closure and CRRC MA's reductions appear in sector-level reemployment data, particularly in warehousing, logistics, or healthcare support roles where metro pay is holding firm."}, {"category": "Potential inflection point", "body": "Massachusetts's EACC approved $11.5M in tax credits this month for 10 expansion projects statewide targeting 674 jobs; watch for any Hampden County or Western Mass allocation as a signal of state investment reaching interior metros."}, {"category": "Worth watching", "body": "State-level labor force participation rose to 65.4% in September, its largest monthly gain in two years; a parallel uptick in Hampden County's labor force \u2014 which has been shrinking statewide since March 2025 \u2014 would be a meaningful sign of renewed worker confidence locally."}], "roles": [{"role": "Retail Sales Associate", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 31200.0, "metro_p50": 33800.0, "metro_p75": 35360.0, "metro_trend_direction": "stable", "metro_trend_magnitude": "stable", "national_p50": 33340.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Retail Cashier", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 31737.0, "metro_p50": 34414.0, "metro_p75": 35360.0, "metro_trend_direction": "stable", "metro_trend_magnitude": "stable", "national_p50": 31268.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Warehouse/Fulfillment Associate", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 34954.0, "metro_p50": 40560.0, "metro_p75": 41915.0, "metro_trend_direction": "stable", "metro_trend_magnitude": "stable", "national_p50": 38480.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "CDL Truck Driver", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 61163.0, "metro_p50": 83566.0, "metro_p75": 90000.0, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 78872.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Delivery Driver", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 33672.0, "metro_p50": 35988.0, "metro_p75": 41600.0, "metro_trend_direction": "stable", "metro_trend_magnitude": "stable", "national_p50": 34826.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Construction Laborer", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 37440.0, "metro_p50": 43238.0, "metro_p75": 46176.0, "metro_trend_direction": "stable", "metro_trend_magnitude": "stable", "national_p50": 40726.6, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "moderate"}, {"role": "Electrician", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 69542.0, "metro_p50": 83200.0, "metro_p75": 87500.0, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 71835.0, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "moderate"}, {"role": "Manufacturing Production Worker/Assembler", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 34741.0, "metro_p50": 39000.0, "metro_p75": 42640.0, "metro_trend_direction": "stable", "metro_trend_magnitude": "stable", "national_p50": 39520.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Customer Service Representative", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 36400.0, "metro_p50": 41600.0, "metro_p75": 44460.0, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 39520.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Food Service Worker", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 33128.5, "metro_p50": 37273.0, "metro_p75": 38480.0, "metro_trend_direction": "stable", "metro_trend_magnitude": "stable", "national_p50": 33764.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Certified Nursing Assistant / Home Health Aide", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 37960.0, "metro_p50": 42640.0, "metro_p75": 45760.0, "metro_trend_direction": "stable", "metro_trend_magnitude": "stable", "national_p50": 41600.0, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "moderate"}, {"role": "Administrative Assistant/Office Clerk", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 38344.25, "metro_p50": 45760.0, "metro_p75": 49498.0, "metro_trend_direction": "stable", "metro_trend_magnitude": "stable", "national_p50": 44552.0, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "moderate"}, {"role": "HVAC Technician", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 64522.0, "metro_p50": 69680.0, "metro_p75": 80000.0, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 71406.0, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "moderate"}, {"role": "Registered Nurse", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 91204.5, "metro_p50": 109583.0, "metro_p75": 116480.0, "metro_trend_direction": "stable", "metro_trend_magnitude": "stable", "national_p50": 102252.0, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"role": "Software Engineer", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 109794.0, "metro_p50": 148160.6, "metro_p75": 150286.0, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "significant", "national_p50": 154403.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Data Engineer", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 94688.0, "metro_p50": 106735.0, "metro_p75": 119327.0, "metro_trend_direction": "stable", "metro_trend_magnitude": "stable", "national_p50": 138000.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Accountant", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 65000.0, "metro_p50": 75000.0, "metro_p75": 81634.0, "metro_trend_direction": "stable", "metro_trend_magnitude": "stable", "national_p50": 72000.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Financial Analyst", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 79870.0, "metro_p50": 97988.0, "metro_p75": 101691.25, "metro_trend_direction": "stable", "metro_trend_magnitude": "stable", "national_p50": 94646.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "HR Generalist/Manager", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 48958.0, "metro_p50": 67017.0, "metro_p75": 72000.0, "metro_trend_direction": "stable", "metro_trend_magnitude": "stable", "national_p50": 74477.0, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"role": "Marketing Specialist", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 47794.0, "metro_p50": 77794.2, "metro_p75": 104000.0, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "significant", "national_p50": 62916.0, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "moderate"}, {"role": "Operations Manager", "data_scope": "state_rollup", "metro_p25": 77868.0, "metro_p50": 99000.0, "metro_p75": 130500.0, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 86294.2, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Elementary/Secondary School Teacher", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 52436.0, "metro_p50": 71341.0, "metro_p75": 74120.25, "metro_trend_direction": "stable", "metro_trend_magnitude": "stable", "national_p50": 55908.0, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "moderate"}, {"role": "Account Manager", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 60000.0, "metro_p50": 85033.8, "metro_p75": 110820.0, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 94009.4, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "moderate"}, {"role": "Warehouse Manager", "data_scope": "state_rollup", "metro_p25": 43753.0, "metro_p50": 76246.6, "metro_p75": 79006.0, "metro_trend_direction": "down", "metro_trend_magnitude": "significant", "national_p50": 75000.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Business Analyst", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 83538.0, "metro_p50": 95783.8, "metro_p75": 107300.0, "metro_trend_direction": "stable", "metro_trend_magnitude": "stable", "national_p50": 98302.2, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}], "industry_snapshot": [{"sector": "Construction", "median_pay": 67500.0, "pay_trend_direction": "up", "pay_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "postings_trend_direction": "up", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Manufacturing", "median_pay": 74000.0, "pay_trend_direction": "up", "pay_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "postings_trend_direction": "up", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Retail Trade", "median_pay": 39260.0, "pay_trend_direction": "stable", "pay_trend_magnitude": "stable", "postings_trend_direction": "up", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Transportation, Warehousing & Utilities", "median_pay": 58760.0, "pay_trend_direction": "stable", "pay_trend_magnitude": "stable", "postings_trend_direction": "up", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Information", "median_pay": 57200.0, "pay_trend_direction": "up", "pay_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "postings_trend_direction": "up", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Financial Activities", "median_pay": 56940.0, "pay_trend_direction": "stable", "pay_trend_magnitude": "stable", "postings_trend_direction": "up", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Professional & Business Services", "median_pay": 71500.0, "pay_trend_direction": "up", "pay_trend_magnitude": "significant", "postings_trend_direction": "up", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Education & Health Services", "median_pay": 61360.0, "pay_trend_direction": "stable", "pay_trend_magnitude": "stable", "postings_trend_direction": "up", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Leisure & Hospitality", "median_pay": 37440.0, "pay_trend_direction": "stable", "pay_trend_magnitude": "stable", "postings_trend_direction": "up", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Government", "median_pay": 69316.0, "pay_trend_direction": "up", "pay_trend_magnitude": "significant", "postings_trend_direction": "up", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}], "citations": [{"source_name": "Bureau of Labor Statistics / FRED", "source_url": null, "statement": "Hampden County unemployment rose from 5.1% (June) to 5.7% (August 2026)"}, {"source_name": "Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance", "source_url": null, "statement": "Springfield MSA job growth of 1.1% year-over-year, 3rd-highest in MA"}, {"source_name": "Western Mass News/WGGB", "source_url": null, "statement": "Smithfield Packaged Meats layoff of 190 workers, Springfield facility"}, {"source_name": "WARN Firehose", "source_url": null, "statement": "CRRC MA filed WARN notices totaling 341 workers in Springfield"}, {"source_name": "Bureau of Labor Statistics, County Employment and Wages", "source_url": null, "statement": "Hampden County average weekly wages grew 4.0% year-over-year"}, {"source_name": "Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development", "source_url": null, "statement": "Massachusetts EACC approved $11.5M in tax credits for 10 expansion projects"}], "methodology": "Advertised pay from active employer job postings, not survey data. WageScape's median is calibrated to correct for spurious low-value postings: distribution analysis shows roughly the lowest 10% of raw values are erroneous entries, so the reported median is the 60th percentile of raw advertised pay.", "edition_label": "November 2026", "files": {"html": "springfield-ma-msa/metro-job-market/2026-10.html", "pdf": "springfield-ma-msa/metro-job-market/2026-10.pdf", "sources_html": "springfield-ma-msa/metro-job-market/2026-10.sources.html"}, "published_at": "2026-11-03T08:30:50.087730+00:00", "report_html_url": "https://reports.wagescape.com/archive/v1/editions/springfield-ma-msa/metro-job-market/2026-10.html", "report_pdf_url": "https://reports.wagescape.com/archive/v1/editions/springfield-ma-msa/metro-job-market/2026-10.pdf"}