TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey added 10,900 jobs in September, according to preliminary estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, even as the state’s unemployment rate rose by 0.2 percentage points to 5.2 percent. The report, originally scheduled for release on Oct. 16, was delayed due to the federal government shutdown.
The latest estimates show total nonfarm employment reached a seasonally adjusted 4,401,800 jobs in September. Revised August data also reflected stronger employment gains than initially reported: an upward revision of 1,700 jobs brought the July-to-August increase to 6,600. The unemployment rate for August remained at 5.0 percent.
Seven of the state’s nine private-sector industries added jobs in September. The largest gains occurred in trade, transportation, and utilities (+3,200); private education and health services (+2,500); and leisure and hospitality (+1,800). Construction (+500), manufacturing (+500), financial activities (+500), and other services (+200) also posted increases.
Two industries recorded losses: professional and business services (-3,400) and information (-200). The public sector grew by 5,300 jobs in September.
Over the past year, New Jersey has added 26,400 nonfarm jobs, including 29,200 private-sector positions. Six out of nine private industries experienced growth, led by private education and health services (+28,500), professional and business services (+13,400), leisure and hospitality (+4,700), financial activities (+1,900), manufacturing (+1,800), and other services (+700).
Year-over-year declines occurred in construction (-10,000), trade, transportation, and utilities (-6,400), and information (-5,400). The public sector has shed 2,800 jobs over the same period.
According to the state, the next labor market update — including preliminary November data and available figures for October — is scheduled for release on Jan. 7, 2026.
