TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey added 5,800 jobs in March while the state’s unemployment rate declined, according to preliminary federal labor data released Thursday.
Figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show total nonfarm employment rose to 4,381,600 jobs in March. The state’s unemployment rate fell by 0.2 percentage points to 4.9%.
The gains follow a revised loss in February, when employment declined by 8,200 jobs — an improvement from earlier estimates that showed a loss of 10,300 positions. February’s unemployment rate remained at 5.1%.
Six of nine private industry sectors posted job gains in March, led by professional and business services, which added 3,300 jobs, and private education and health services, which gained 3,200. Additional increases were seen in leisure and hospitality, construction, information, and trade, transportation and utilities.
Job losses were recorded in other services, financial activities and manufacturing. The public sector also saw a decline of 300 jobs for the month.
Over the past year, New Jersey’s private sector added 9,300 jobs overall. Growth was concentrated in education and health services, which added more than 30,000 jobs, along with smaller gains in leisure and hospitality and information.
Several sectors posted year-over-year declines, including trade, transportation and utilities, manufacturing, construction, financial activities, professional and business services, and other services. The public sector lost 5,300 jobs over the year.
Updated labor market data for April is expected to be released May 21, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
