Connecticut Job Growth Lags Nationally, State Labor Force Shrinks, CBIA Says

Connecticut’s private sector job growth has remained largely flat over the past year, according to the November 2025 employment report.

The Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) noted that while November showed some growth, long-term trends present a concerning outlook for the state’s job market.

Chris DiPentima, president and CEO of CBIA, confirmed that the private sector’s growth is behind last year's pace. He cited Department of Labor officials who stated, “we’re seeing indications in the private sector and across industries that growth is lagging behind last year.”

The state’s labor force has decreased by 0.9 percent, or 18,200 people, since November 2024. In contrast, the national labor force grew by 1.9 percent during the same period. Since the start of the pandemic, Connecticut’s labor force has increased by 0.3 percent, adding 6,600 people, while the national figure rose by 4.4 percent.

Despite the shrinking labor force, Connecticut had 73,000 job openings as of October. Employers are working to fill these positions, with average weekly earnings up 5.4 percent from November 2024, exceeding inflation rates. DiPentima emphasized that these trends underscore the importance of addressing affordability and workforce development in the state.

With the 2026 legislative session approaching in one month, CBIA states that making Connecticut an affordable place to live and conduct business must be a priority for lawmakers. This includes tackling the rising costs of healthcare, childcare, and energy. DiPentima added that developing workforce training programs and career pipelines is crucial to connect residents with career opportunities.

This article includes AI-assisted reporting. Editors reviewed all content for accuracy.