Job Openings Jump 10.9% in September

Connecticut job openings increased by 9,985 positions (10.9%) to 96,223 last month, representing opportunities across all industry sectors and occupations.

The surge in openings again highlights the hiring challenges faced by employers, as the demand for workers continues to outpace supply.

Payrolls did increase in September—employers added 1,400 jobs, with strong gains in the education and health services and manufacturing sectors offsetting significant losses in professional services.

The labor force also expanded last month—for only the second time in 20 months—with the population of those working and looking for work growing by 3,500 people.

However, Connecticut’s labor force has 50,800 fewer people (-2.6%) than a year ago, while the unemployment rate remains at 5.1%, tied for the highest in the country.

Total employment—which includes payroll jobs, farm workers, independent contractors, and the self-employed—grew by 2,900 (0.2%) last month and remains 66,900 below September 2025 levels (-3.6%).

Structural Issues

CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima said “while the September payroll and labor force gains are welcome, significant structural issues persist in the labor market.”

“The underlying challenges holding back the state’s economy have not changed,” he said.

“The size of our labor force remains well below where just 12 months ago—and even before the pandemic hit six years ago.

“At the same time, employers desperately need workers. We had nearly 100,000 job openings in September, including 8,800 in manufacturing.”

DiPentima noted that Connecticut employers continued to invest in their workforces, with average weekly private sector wages increasing last month to $1,346—fifth highest in the country.

“However, the high costs of healthcare, housing, childcare, and energy are making it harder to live, work, and build careers in Connecticut,” he said.

“Connecticut needs a comprehensive vision for affordability and workforce growth.

“That starts with bold, decisive action to address rising costs while improving the systems that build the next generation of the workforce.

“Strengthening workforce development pipelines and creating clearer pathways into high-demand careers are critical to help grow labor force, help employers fill open positions, and create meaningful opportunities for all residents.”

Job Market Trends

As of September, Connecticut’s labor force is 51,000 people below pre-pandemic levels (-2.6%)—in sharp contrast with the national average, up 3.5% over the same period.

Massachusetts has the region’s strongest post-pandemic labor force growth (1.9%), followed by Rhode Island (0.5%), Maine (0%), New Hampshire (0%), Connecticut, and Vermont (-3.8%).

Twelve months ago, Connecticut’s unemployment rate was 4.2%, the lowest in the region. It’s now the highest of the New England states and tied for highest in the country.

The unemployment rate is nine-tenths of a point higher than the national rate and has tied for the highest in the country for four consecutive months.

Vermont and New Hampshire share the region’s lowest unemployment (2.6%), followed by Maine (3.3%), Rhode Island (3.6%), Massachusetts (4.3%), and Connecticut.

Connecticut’s labor participation rate rose one-tenth of a point to 62.1% last month, 25th in the country and down two percentage points since September 2025.

Massachusetts has the region’s highest labor participation rate (65.4%), followed by New Hampshire (64.8%), Vermont (62.1%), Connecticut, Rhode Island (62%), and Maine (58.5%).

The national rate is 61.8%.

Industry Sectors, Labor Markets

Six of the state’s 10 major industry sectors posted job gains in September, led by education and health services, which added 2,200 positions (0.6%), bringing 12-month gains to 11,300 (3%).

Manufacturing gained 900 jobs (0.6%), and has added 5,600 positions (3.7%) since September 2025 to lead all sectors in percentage terms.

Trade, transportation, and utilities added 800 jobs (0.3%), followed by leisure and hospitality (700; 0.5%), financial activities (400; 0.3%), and government (100; 0.04%).

Employment in the construction sector, which has added 2,100 jobs in the last 12 months (3.3%), was unchanged last month.

Professional and business services posted the largest losses of any sector for a second consecutive month, shedding 2,700 jobs (-1.2%), and moving into the loss column over the last 12 months (-1,600; -0.7%).

The other services sector lost 600 jobs (-0.9%) and information shed 400 positions (-1.3%).

Four of the state’s five major labor market areas added jobs in September, led by Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, which gained 2,000 positions (0.3%).

Employment in Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury grew by 1,200 jobs (0.3%), followed by Norwich-New London-Willimantic (400; 0.3%), and New Haven (400; 0.1%).

Waterbury-Shelton lost 700 payroll jobs in September (-0.4%).