Courtesy of Connecticut Department of Labor
HARTFORD – Connecticut nonfarm industry payrolls decreased 5,700 jobs, or0.3%, in September 2025, to a level of 1,714,100, while the state’s preliminary seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was unchanged at 3.8% for the fifth month in a row.
Nonfarm employment in the state is now 4,500 (0.3%) positions higher than a year ago. The Connecticut August 2025 preliminary job increase of 900 was revised lower by 400 to a 500 job gain on the normal monthly revision. Connecticut’s jobless rate remains below the U.S. rate (currently 4.4% for September) for the 33rd consecutive month.
This labor statistics release presents current estimated data from two different monthly surveys (businesses and household) produced by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in association with the states. The recent federal government shutdown delayed the monthly labor statistics releases.
“Job growth has been slower in 2025 than in recent years, which means that there will be some negative months,” said Patrick Flaherty, director of the Office of Research at the Connecticut Department of Labor. “Connecticut is still on track to show positive job growth for 2025 as a whole, but at a slower pace than last year.
This is consistent with national trends. Over the first nine months of 2025, national job growth has been less than half the growth posted in the first nine months of 2024.” Connecticut’s private sector employment was also down by 5,700 positions (-0.4%) in September 2025 to 1,477,900 and is now up by just 3,500 jobs (0.2%) from the September 2024 level. August’s preliminary private sector gain of 1,200 jobs was adjusted lower by 400 to an 800 gain.
CBIA President and CEO Chris DiPentima believes the state jobless figures are worrisome for the state economy.
“This report raises serious concerns about Connecticut’s labor situation,” said DiPentima said. “It’s important to note that this is preliminary, trailing data, and we will be closely watching subsequent employment reports. “Still, this should set off alarm bells and serve as a stark reminder that we need to remain focused on Connecticut’s affordability and fiscal stability.”
He pointed out that the state labor force is down by more than 8,000 from the same period last year.
“And since the beginning of the pandemic, our labor force has grown just 0.7% compared to 4.2% nationally,” he added. “Connecticut’s fiscal position is stronger than it has been in years, but structural challenges remain barriers to economic growth.
He added that it is clear the state needs bold, courageous policies that not only make Connecticut more affordable, but build a sustainable workforce pipeline that connects residents with opportunities.
Republican Sens. Stephen Harding, Henri Martin, Ryan Fazio and Rob Sampson focused on the loss of 5,700 jobs in September.
“Nearly 6,000 jobs lost in a single month?,” they stated. “The Lamont administration’s description of this as a ‘weak’ jobs report is a huge understatement. This report is a blaring neon sign: Connecticut is not growing. Connecticut is lagging.”
The Republicans said they would push for relief in the 2026 legislative session, while Democrats will seek to hike taxes, enlarge government and overspend.”