Connecticut employers added 5,700 jobs in April, pushing total nonfarm payroll employment to a record 1,725,300, even as the state’s unemployment rate climbed to 5%, according to the state Department of Labor.
The March jobs estimate was also revised upward, from a preliminary gain of 100 jobs to 2,400, suggesting stronger recent hiring momentum than initially reported. Connecticut’s unemployment rate rose from 4.8% in March and now sits above the national rate of 4.3%.
The state has added 5,200 jobs over the past year, according to the DOL.
State labor officials said the higher unemployment rate appears to reflect more people entering the workforce rather than an increase in layoffs. Initial unemployment claims were relatively stable year over year, according to the report.
“Despite early year fluctuations, March and April data show solid growth that has slightly outpaced national growth,” said Patrick J. Flaherty, DOL’s director of research. “The unemployment rate is higher than it was last year, but this and other economic indicators are well within the range to keep the economy moving. Assuming no national economic downturn, Connecticut is expected to continue slow, steady growth.”
Professional and business services led April job gains, adding 2,600 positions, followed by manufacturing (+1,200), trade, transportation and utilities (+1,100), education and health services (+600), and leisure and hospitality (+1,000). Financial activities, information and government each lost 500 jobs.
Construction employment reached 65,200 jobs, its highest level in 18 years, while manufacturing employment rose to 154,700, its highest level since October 2024, according to the report.
