New Jersey added 2,200 jobs in May 2026 as unemployment dropped to 4.7%, led by gains in hospitality, construction and public sector hiring.
MORRISTOWN, NJ – New Jersey added 2,200 nonfarm payroll jobs in May 2026, bringing seasonally adjusted employment to 4,388,200 jobs, according to preliminary estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
The state’s unemployment rate fell by 0.1 percentage point, from 4.8% in April to 4.7% in May. April’s employment estimate was also revised upward to show a gain of 7,100 jobs, compared with the preliminary estimate of 5,600.
Three of nine private industry sectors gained jobs over the month: leisure and hospitality added 3,000 jobs, construction added 600, and trade, transportation and utilities added 200. The public sector added 1,300 jobs.
Private-sector losses were reported in professional and business services, manufacturing, private education and health services, other services and financial activities. The information sector recorded no monthly change.
Over the year, New Jersey recorded a net loss of 3,100 nonfarm jobs, including a 300-job decline in the private sector and a 2,800-job decline in the public sector. The state said preliminary June estimates are scheduled for release July 16.
