Governor Kathy Hochul says New York has reached its full economic recovery from the pandemic following the release of Department of Labor data showing a total statewide private-sector job count of 8,346,200 jobs – the highest level on record.
According to the new data, New York gained 47,000 private-sector jobs in January 2024 with key sectors like Private Education and Health Services, Leisure and Hospitality, and Professional and Business Services driving job growth. Overall, the state has recovered 1,935,600 private-sector jobs since the height of the pandemic in April 2020 when statewide jobs reached a 30-year low of just 6.4 million jobs.
“With jobs at an all-time high across the state, New York’s economy hasn’t just recovered – it’s been completely transformed,” Governor Hochul said. “Business is booming, New Yorkers are getting back to work, and thanks to a major economic relief package I announced in my first months in office, our communities are stronger and more vibrant than ever. New York is back, and with our historic recovery and record-breaking 8.3 million jobs, my administration is moving full-steam ahead to keep creating good-paying jobs that help New Yorkers build a future here in our state.”
NYSDOL on Thursday released new monthly jobs data, which shows an 0.6 percent increase in private-sector jobs since December 2023 and a 0.2 percent increase since January 2023. The growth was driven by key sectors like Natural Resources & Mining (6.1 percent), Private Education & Health Services (4.4 percent), Leisure & Hospitality (4.7 percent) and Finance (1.3 percent). In addition, the statewide unemployment rate decreased to 4.5 percent.
Private sector job growth was distributed across New York State from January 2023 to January 2024 with the highest rates of growth in Ithaca (6.4 percent), Watertown-Fort Drum (5 percent), Kingston (4.1 percent) and Glen Falls (2.5 percent). New York City’s total private sector job count also increased by 1.7 percent to 4,091,700 and private-sector jobs on Long Island rose by 1.8 percent to 1,129,100.
City of Ithaca Mayor Rob Cantelmo said, “These jobs numbers are a testament to the resilience and dynamism of New Yorkers. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s leadership, we are continuing a strong recovery and reminding the world why New York is one of the best places to do business. Now it’s time to roll up our sleeves and build the housing necessary to support our workers and businesses and continue this positive trend.”
Village of Watkins Glen Mayor Laurie DeNardo said, “The Village of Watkins Glen managed staffing levels considerably well during the pandemic due to amenities within our area including our beautiful Watkins Glen State Park. NYS is on the path to the pandemic recovery and these statewide numbers reflect that. In Schuyler County, our tourism levels and job growth has expanded post-pandemic and our community is thriving.”
