New Jersey lost 5,300 jobs in October and November as unemployment rate rose to 5.4%
TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey recorded a net loss of 5,300 jobs over October and November, according to the latest employment estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which were delayed by the federal government shutdown.
Total nonfarm employment declined by 1,700 jobs in November to a seasonally adjusted level of 4,396,000, following a revised loss of 3,600 jobs in October. State labor officials said both months’ estimates remain subject to routine revisions.
The state’s unemployment rate rose to 5.4% in November, an increase of 0.2 percentage points from September. Labor force data for October, including the unemployment rate, were not available because household survey data were not collected during the federal shutdown.
Revised figures for September showed a slight downward adjustment of 500 jobs, resulting in a revised gain of 10,400 jobs from August to September.
In November, three of nine private industry sectors reported job gains compared with October. Private education and health services added 4,900 jobs, trade, transportation and utilities gained 1,800, and financial activities increased by 800 jobs.
Job losses were reported in professional and business services, which fell by 3,600 jobs, leisure and hospitality, down 2,800, construction, down 2,000, manufacturing, down 800, and information, down 100. Employment in other services was unchanged, while the public sector posted a gain of 100 jobs for the month.
Over the past 12 months, New Jersey added 20,600 nonfarm jobs, driven largely by private-sector growth of 18,800 jobs. Four private industry sectors recorded year-over-year gains, led by private education and health services, which added 28,200 jobs, and professional and business services, which gained 12,200. Manufacturing added 700 jobs, while financial activities increased by 100.
Year-over-year losses were recorded in construction, which shed 12,500 jobs, trade, transportation and utilities, down 3,200, information, down 3,000, other services, down 2,100, and leisure and hospitality, down 1,500. The public sector added 1,800 jobs over the year.
Preliminary BLS employment data for December 2025 are scheduled for release on Jan. 22.
