TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey added 6,000 jobs in January while the state’s unemployment rate declined, though newly revised data shows job growth in 2025 was weaker than previously reported.
Preliminary estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show total nonfarm employment rose to 4,386,500 in January, with private sector jobs accounting for 5,600 of the gains. The state’s unemployment rate fell to 5.2% from 5.4% in December.
However, annual benchmark revisions adjusted 2025 job growth downward. The year-over-year increase from December 2024 to December 2025 was revised to 5,100 jobs, down from an earlier estimate of 9,000. The two-year job gain from December 2023 to December 2025 was also reduced to 37,900 jobs, about 10,300 fewer than previously reported.
Revised data shows that only three of nine major private industry sectors posted job gains over that period. Private education and health services led with an increase of 29,000 jobs, followed by smaller gains in construction and information.
Several sectors recorded losses, including trade, transportation and utilities, manufacturing, professional and business services, leisure and hospitality, financial activities and other services. Public sector employment also declined by 3,000 jobs year over year.
The state’s average annual unemployment rate for 2025 was revised upward to 5.2%, compared with 4.6% in 2024. Nationally, the unemployment rate averaged 4.3% in 2025.
In January, six of nine private industry sectors posted gains, led by professional and business services, private education and health services, and construction. Losses were recorded in leisure and hospitality, information and financial activities. The public sector added 400 jobs during the month.
Updated federal employment data for February is scheduled to be released April 16.
