NEW JERSEY — New Jersey added 14,900 jobs in September as the state’s unemployment rate declined to 4.2%, according to preliminary employment estimates released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The increase brought the state’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm employment total to 4,377,400 jobs. The unemployment rate fell by 0.1 percentage points from August, when it stood at 4.3%.
August employment figures were also revised upward, showing a gain of 1,200 jobs instead of the previously reported loss of 1,700 jobs. The August unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.3%.
Six of the state’s nine private industry sectors reported job gains in September, led by private education and health services, which added 7,200 jobs, and professional and business services, which gained 7,100 jobs. Leisure and hospitality followed with an increase of 5,500 jobs, while manufacturing and other services each added 1,000 jobs. Construction employment increased by 500 jobs.
Three private industry sectors recorded employment declines during the month. Trade, transportation and utilities experienced the largest decrease, losing 5,100 jobs, followed by the information sector with a loss of 1,100 jobs and financial activities with a decline of 100 jobs. Public sector employment decreased by 1,100 jobs.
Despite the monthly increase, New Jersey’s total nonfarm employment grew by just 3,600 jobs compared with September 2025. Private sector employment increased by 6,900 jobs over the year, while public sector employment declined by 3,300 jobs.
Private education and health services accounted for the largest year-over-year increase, adding 30,000 jobs, while leisure and hospitality reported an annual gain of 2,400 jobs.
However, seven private industry sectors recorded job losses compared with a year earlier. Trade, transportation and utilities experienced the largest annual decline, losing 11,200 jobs, followed by information with 4,500 fewer jobs and construction with a loss of 3,100 jobs.
Financial activities declined by 2,800 jobs, manufacturing lost 1,600 jobs, professional and business services decreased by 1,400 jobs, and other services recorded a loss of 900 jobs.
The September figures are preliminary and subject to revision. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is scheduled to release preliminary employment estimates for October and revised September figures on Nov. 19, 2026.
