Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Virginia’s nonfarm payroll employment increased by 13,400 jobs in September, up 81,100 jobs compared to last September. Since the beginning of the McAuliffe administration, Virginia has experienced an increase of 178,700 jobs. The September nonfarm payroll employment increase is the fourth consecutive monthly increase and a new record high for nonfarm employment in Virginia.
Virginia’s over-the-year employment growth was 2.1 percent in September, again surpassing the national growth rate, which was 1.7 percent. Over-the-year employment growth in the Commonwealth of Virginia has been positive for the past 30 months.
“Today’s announcement is an important indicator in our efforts to build the new Virginia economy,” said Governor McAuliffe. “With a new record high nonfarm employment, we know there are more jobs available here in the Commonwealth. Our continued growth is encouraging, but I remain committed now more than ever to making strategic investments and policy decisions that enhance our workforce system and strengthen key infrastructure to create more jobs for the citizens of the Commonwealth.”
Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was up 0.1 percentage point in September to 4.0 percent and remains 0.2 percentage points below last September. Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate continues below the national rate, which was up 0.1 percentage point in September to 5.0 percent.
Virginia tied with Arkansas for the lowest seasonally adjusted unemployment rate among the Southeast states. Virginia had the fourth best rate among the states east of the Mississippi. Virginia has the eleventh lowest unemployment rate in the nation along with Arkansas and Minnesota.
“Virginia’s over-the-year employment growth continues to surpass the national average and marks 30 consecutive months of positive growth,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Todd Haymore. “Today’s announcement underscores that we must continue to work collaboratively with our partners in the private sector and the General Assembly to ensure that Virginia is the best state to live, work and raise a family.”
In September, the private sector recorded an over-the-year employment gain of 76,900 jobs, and the public sector recorded an over-the-year gain of 4,200 jobs. Compared to a year ago, on a seasonally adjusted basis, eight of the eleven major industry divisions experienced employment gains.
For a greater statistical breakdown visit the VEC website at www.vec.virginia.gov.
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