TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey’s unemployment rate declined in June even as the state posted a slight decrease in payroll employment, according to preliminary estimates released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 4.5% in June from 4.7% in May. Meanwhile, total nonfarm employment declined by 300 jobs, bringing New Jersey’s seasonally adjusted payroll employment to 4,387,100.
The state’s May employment estimate was revised downward to show a gain of 1,400 jobs from April, compared with the preliminary estimate of 2,200.
Five of New Jersey’s nine private industry sectors added jobs during June. Professional and business services led the gains with 3,700 new jobs, followed by private education and health services with 3,600. Construction, manufacturing and other services each added 500 jobs.
The largest monthly declines occurred in trade, transportation and utilities, which lost 4,200 jobs, followed by leisure and hospitality, down 3,700. Information shed 900 jobs, financial activities declined by 300, and the public sector lost 100 jobs.
Compared with June 2025, New Jersey added 8,000 nonfarm jobs overall, including a gain of 10,100 private-sector jobs.
Private education and health services posted the largest year-over-year increase, adding 31,000 jobs, while professional and business services gained 6,100 jobs. The largest annual declines were in trade, transportation and utilities, down 8,400 jobs, followed by manufacturing (-4,600), leisure and hospitality (-3,900), information (-3,300), construction (-3,000), financial activities (-3,000) and other services (-800). The public sector recorded a loss of 2,100 jobs over the year.
Updated preliminary employment estimates for July are scheduled to be released Aug. 20 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
