Virginia’s labor market remains strong, with nonfarm payroll employment increasing by 7,100 jobs in January, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). December’s job gains were also revised upward to 14,200, bringing the total number of nonfarm jobs in the Commonwealth to 4,281,000. Since January 2022, Virginia has added 276,400 jobs, with more than 70,000 additional hires anticipated based on company announcements.
Governor Glenn Youngkin praised the state’s economic momentum, citing workforce expansion and business-friendly policies as key drivers of job growth.
“More Virginians are working than ever in the Commonwealth as jobs and opportunity continue to expand in Virginia,” Youngkin said. “This performance underscores the success of our pro-business policies and our ongoing focus on workforce development, which are providing Virginia companies the talent they need to grow and Virginians with the opportunities to succeed.”
Additional data from the BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) showed a rise in total employment to 4,464,393 Virginians, with the state’s unemployment rate holding steady at 3.0 percent—1.0 percentage point below the national average. Labor force participation remained strong at 65.8 percent, with January seeing an increase of 2,893 workers.
Virginia’s labor force has demonstrated steady growth, Secretary of Labor Bryan Slater noted, emphasizing the state’s commitment to fostering an environment where workers can thrive.
“The robust growth in the Commonwealth’s job count highlights Virginia’s strong economic momentum, demonstrating that our businesses are thriving and creating new opportunities for Virginians,” added Secretary of Commerce Caren Merrick.
For further details, visit the Department of Workforce Development and Advancement at Virginia Works.
