TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey added 2,200 jobs in May while the state’s unemployment rate declined to 4.7%, according to preliminary estimates released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The latest figures show total nonfarm employment rose to a seasonally adjusted 4,388,200 jobs in May. The unemployment rate decreased by 0.1 percentage point from 4.8% in April.
State officials also reported an upward revision to April employment data. Revised estimates show New Jersey gained 7,100 jobs between March and April, higher than the preliminary estimate of 5,600 jobs.
Three of the state’s nine private-sector industry groups recorded employment gains in May. The leisure and hospitality sector led growth with an increase of 3,000 jobs, followed by construction, which added 600 jobs, and trade, transportation and utilities, which gained 200 jobs.
Several sectors posted monthly declines. Professional and business services lost 1,500 jobs, manufacturing declined by 500 jobs, private education and health services fell by 400 jobs, other services dropped by 300 jobs, and financial activities decreased by 200 jobs. Employment in the information sector remained unchanged.
The public sector added 1,300 jobs during the month.
Compared with a year earlier, New Jersey’s private sector lost a net 3,100 jobs. Private education and health services recorded the strongest annual growth, adding 26,100 jobs over the past year.
Year-over-year job losses were reported in trade, transportation and utilities (-6,400), leisure and hospitality (-5,300), manufacturing (-5,000), construction (-3,800), financial activities (-2,600), other services (-1,600), information (-1,100), and professional and business services (-500).
The public sector also recorded a decline of 2,800 jobs over the past year.
Preliminary employment estimates for June are scheduled to be released July 16.
