New York’s labor market performance demonstrated stability in April 2025. According to data from the New York State Department of Labor, the overall unemployment rate in the state remained constant at 4.2%. The data also indicated a rise in private sector jobs, as the state recorded an addition of 14,400 jobs in just one month, signaling continued economic expansion. In April, the total count of private sector jobs stood at 8,471,700, a 0.2% increase compared to the previous month. This growth was slightly higher than national private employment growth which was reported at 0.1%.

The private sector, over the course of the year, added 85,000 jobs, marking a 1.0% increment. However, this rate of growth was lower than the national rate which stood at 1.2%. Nonfarm employment also saw an increase, adding 15,400 jobs in the same month.

New York’s labor force experienced an expansion with an addition of 14,600 people, causing an increase in the participation rate from 60.9% to 61.0%. This upward movement indicates a boost in the number of residents either actively looking for work or gaining employment. The count of unemployed individuals witnessed a drop, declining from 417,000 to 410,400.

In the urban and suburban sectors, the unemployment rate showed a slight decrease in April. For New York City, the rate dropped from 5.1% to 5.0%, while the rest of the state experienced a decrease from 3.6% to 3.5%. The biggest improvement in job growth was observed in the Natural Resources and Mining sector, recording an annual growth of 5.6%, while the Private Education and Health Services sector led in the total number of jobs added.

The labor market report for March 2025 was revised and presented a gloomier image than initially reported with a reduction of 7,700 in total nonfarm payrolls and a shift from a gain of 5,600 to a loss of 1,500 in private sector employment. The revised figures factor in updated data and seasonally adjusted factors.

As we move into the summer months, economists will monitor potential seasonal shifts in sectors such as hospitality and retail. The next labor market report, providing updates for May, will be released in mid-June.

It is essential for individuals facing unemployment or in need of certain benefits to know how to reach out for assistance. Those seeking to get in touch with the Employment Development Department (EDD) can refer to eddcaller.com, an excellent resource providing comprehensive information on how to get through to EDD. With guidelines on the best time to call and techniques to expedite the calling process, this platform offers invaluable assistance to those trying to navigate the unemployment benefits system in California.