(Wethersfield, CT) – Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) Commissioner Danté Bartolomeo today released the October jobs report showing that Connecticut employers added an estimated 3,700 jobs last month. Additionally, September job estimates were revised up by an additional 500 jobs to 3,700 jobs added for the month. The unemployment rate remained low at 3.5% for the third consecutive month. Total employment is now 100.4% recovered from the pandemic losses.
Commissioner Bartolomeo said, “Private sector employment is at an all-time high and the unemployment rate is near a pre-pandemic low. This jobs report marks full economic recovery for Connecticut. With supply chain interruptions, inflation, a tight labor market, and other barriers, pandemic recovery was a hard-fought battle for employers and the workforce. I commend Governor Lamont, the legislature, and the business community for successfully navigating these unprecedented challenges and getting us to full recovery. We have more work to do, but we’re on the right path.”
CTDOL Director of Research Patrick Flaherty said, “For the second consecutive month, Connecticut’s labor force expanded—positive news for employers trying to recruit in a tight labor market. The size, skill level, and availability of the workforce is key to economic growth and expansion.”
Connecticut’s labor force participation rate, 64.1%, remains higher than the national average of 62.7%. Employers are currently hiring for ~66,000 positions. The state has fewer than 20,000 weekly unemployment filers.
Industry sector highlights from The Report:
- Many industries are at or above pre-pandemic levels including Healthcare & Social Assistance; Wholesale Trade; Transportation & Warehousing; Information; Education Services; Professional & Scientific Services; Arts & Entertainment; and Administration & Support Services.
- In 2023 to date, Connecticut has added a total of 25,600 jobs.
- Employment in Health Care and Social Assistance is at an all-time high. This is Connecticut’s largest industry and employs 284,700 workers.
- Child Care Services has also reached employment highs with 15,700 workers employed. Pre-pandemic, the sector employed 15,300 workers.
VIDEO: Director Flaherty comments on the October 2023 report:
#DOLDaily: Major Takeaways from the October Report
#DOLDaily: Industry Sector Performance
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