New Jersey employers added 5,700 jobs in December after two months of job losses, according to preliminary data released by state officials. The state’s unemployment rate remained at 5.4%.
The figures, produced by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, indicate that five out of nine private industry sectors saw job gains last month. These included leisure and hospitality (+3,000), private education and health services (+2,800), professional and business services (+2,500), financial activities (+600), and information (+300). Sectors experiencing declines were trade, transportation, and utilities (-3,200); manufacturing (-500); construction (-100); and other services (-100). The public sector gained 400 jobs.
Over the past year, New Jersey has added 9,000 non-farm jobs overall. Private sector employment increased by 9,200 jobs during this period. Only two private industry sectors recorded net gains for 2025: private education and health services (+28,400) and professional and business services (+8,900). Other sectors experienced net losses: construction (-10,200); trade, transportation, and utilities (-9,800); other services (-3,500); information (-3,400); manufacturing (-600); financial activities (-300); and leisure and hospitality (-200). The public sector lost 200 jobs over the year.
The report also revised November’s employment estimates. Previously reported as a loss of 1,700 jobs in November, the figure was adjusted to a loss of 1,200 jobs. In October there was a loss of 3,600 jobs.
Nationally, the unemployment rate stood at 4.4% in December—one percentage point lower than New Jersey’s rate. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics will release a state-by-state comparison on January 27.
In November New Jersey had the second-highest state unemployment rate in the country behind California (5.5%).
The New Jersey Business and Industry Association (NJBIA) is recognized as the largest statewide employer organization in the United States. Established in February 1910 as the New Jersey Manufacturers Association before broadening its membership across industries in the mid-1970s, NJBIA represents employers from various sectors including manufacturing, retail, wholesale contracting and services. The association offers advocacy efforts along with resources to support business prosperity. NJBIA also facilitates partnerships among businesses government entities and academic institutions. Its headquarters are located at 10 West Lafayette Street in Trenton New Jersey. Michele Siekerka serves as president and chief executive officer.
