December 2022 showed job growth in 4 of 9 major private industries in New Jersey, with education and health services taking the lead. It was the 32nd consecutive month of job growth since May 2020 for the state. The unemployment rate in December remained unchanged, at 3.4%.

Some sectors recorded job losses in December, mainly the construction sector. Professional and business services, manufacturing, financial activities and hospitality industries also saw losses. Information on this month’s unemployment rate will be released in March, as well as a more complete presentation on the state’s economy in 2022.