New Jersey employers added 6,000 jobs in January and the state’s unemployment rate fell to 5.2%, down from 5.4% in the two previous months, according to data released on Apr. 2 by state officials.
The employment report matters because it provides a snapshot of New Jersey’s economic health and labor market trends at the start of the year.
Preliminary estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that six out of nine major private industry sectors saw job growth during January. Professional and business services led with an increase of 2,600 positions, followed by private education and health services with a gain of 1,800 jobs. Construction added 1,600 jobs; other services increased by 1,500; manufacturing grew by 500; and trade, transportation, and utilities rose by 400 positions. The public sector also recorded a gain of 400 jobs.
However, some sectors experienced declines: leisure and hospitality lost 1,800 jobs; information dropped by 600; and financial activities decreased by 400 positions.
A benchmark review conducted annually adjusted previous employment figures downward for the period between December 2024 and December 2025: total nonfarm job gains were revised to show an increase of only 5,100 instead of the previously reported 9,000 new roles. Over two years from December 2023 to December 2025 there was a net gain of 37,900 jobs—10,300 fewer than earlier estimates suggested.
Year-over-year data indicated that private education and health services gained the most (+29,000), while construction (+800) and information (+800) also saw increases over this period. Losses were recorded in trade/transportation/utilities (-5,600), manufacturing (-4,800), professional/business services (-4,800), leisure/hospitality (-2,900), financial activities (-400), other services (-4,000), with public sector employment declining by another 3,000 roles year-over-year.
The New Jersey Business and Industry Association serves as the nation’s largest statewide employer association representing employers across various sectors according to its official website. The association advances competitive excellence for its members while delivering essential information and services according to its official website. Michele Siekerka serves as president and chief executive officer according to its official website.
The association facilitates partnerships among businesses throughout New Jersey—including government entities—and offers advocacy along with practical information designed to support business prosperity according to its official website.
