CT Dept. of Labor: Employers Add 2,800 Jobs in June; Job Numbers Hit New High; Unemployment Rate Remains 5.2%

(Wethersfield, CT) – Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) Commissioner Danté Bartolomeo released the July labor situation report today showing that employers added an estimated 2,800 jobs last month. June was revised from an estimated 1,500 jobs added to 2,700 jobs added. Connecticut payrolls hit a new high of 1,730,500 jobs. The state’s unemployment rate remained unchanged at 5.2% with unemployment claims stable. 
 
“Connecticut’s job growth continues to outpace the nation with employers across multiple industry sectors adding jobs and bringing payrolls to a new high above 1.73 million jobs,” said Commissioner Bartolomeo. “CTDOL remains concerned by national and statewide labor force declines—employers need a workforce pipeline to expand and grow. Overall, July data was positive and Connecticut’s economy remains stable.”
 
“Connecticut may be back in a pattern of stronger early year job growth that tapers at the end of the year,” said CTDOL Director of Research Patrick Flaherty. “Even as job numbers fluctuate month-to-month, gains will build on new jobs added throughout the year across a wide range of industries. While some segments of the labor force are finding the job market more challenging today than it was a year or two ago, job postings remain above 80,000 showing that employers are looking to fill positions.” 
 
KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE REPORT
• Total employment is now 1,730,500 jobs, a new high in Connecticut.
• So far in 2026, Connecticut’s job growth rate, 0.8%, has outpaced the national rate of 0.3%.
• Healthcare, manufacturing, and construction have added jobs this year. Finance and retail have shed jobs. 
• Both the U.S. and Connecticut experienced labor force declines in July. Connecticut lost 6,200 workers. Connecticut is an aging state with proportionally
  more retirements, additionally, changes to federal immigration policy are likely impacting the number of foreign workers and international students in the state.
 
VIDEO WITH DIRECTOR FLAHERTY
#DOLDAILY: Major Takeaways from the July report
 
The federal Jobs Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) by state is now produced annually rather than monthly. Connecticut’s Help Wanted Online system shows more than 80,000 open jobs in the state; although employers may not be immediately hiring for all posted positions. Job seekers are encouraged to visit the CTDOL job fairs web page for upcoming recruitment events in their area. Additionally, American Job Centers are available to provide free career assistance such as resume writing, job search, and interview preparation.
 
The August 2026 labor situation report will be released on September 17, 2026. 

 
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