New Jersey employment gains in July, coupled with an upward revision in June’s preliminary estimate, showed a payroll growth of nearly 25,000 private sector jobs over the two-month period, according to data released today by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics.
State officials said New Jersey is experiencing unprecedented private sector growth, with the highest level of nonfarm jobs in the state’s history. Total nonfarm wage and salary employment increased by 9,800 in July with the majority of those gains (+7,300) occurring in the private sector. Five of nine major private industry sectors experienced job growth: leisure and hospitality (+6,900); professional and business services (+2,200); financial activities (+1,100); trade, transportation and utilities (+900); and construction (+900).
Sectors that recorded job losses during July were: manufacturing (-2,200), other services (-1,600), information (-500) and education and health services (-400). Public sector employment in July increased by 2,500 jobs, with the majority of those gains recorded in the local government sector.
Based on more complete reporting from employers, previously released June estimates were revised higher, (+4,300), to show an over-the-month May-June total nonfarm employment gain of 14,900 jobs. Preliminary estimates had initially indicated an over-the-month gain of 10,600 jobs.
Meanwhile, the state’s unemployment rate is at 4.2 percent, still below the national rate of 4.3 percent.
