Private-sector employment increased by 2,600 jobs in October, according to preliminary numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
October’s job gains enhance New Jersey’s continuing employment growth, with private-sector employers adding 34,100 jobs over the past year, according to BLS data.
Since February 2010, the low point for private-sector employment during the most recent recession, private-sector employers in the Garden State have added 323,700 jobs.
The BLS data for October show total nonfarm wage and salary employment increased, to a seasonally adjusted level of 4.13 million. The unemployment rate increased to 4.9 percent.
Last month, job gains were posted in five of nine major private industry sectors, including 3,100 more jobs in transportation and utilities and 1,700 in manufacturing. Education and health services, and information also saw increases.
The biggest losses were in financial activities, with 2,000 less jobs.
Over the month, public-sector employment was lower by 900 jobs.
September saw 6,500 less nonfarm jobs, mostly in the public sector, with 3,900 less government jobs.
That updates preliminary numbers that estimated a 6,300-job loss.
