Connecticut employers added an estimated 100 jobs in March, with health care and social assistance emerging as one of the state's strongest performing sectors so far in 2026, according to data released today by the Connecticut Department of Labor.

Health care and social assistance ranked among the top job-gaining industries in March and has added more jobs year-to-date than any other sector in the state except manufacturing. CTDOL Director of Research Patrick J. Flaherty noted the sector's strength as a stabilizing force in what he described as a moderating labor market.

"Overall, Connecticut's economy remains stable with strong gains in health care and construction," Flaherty said.

The broader employment picture is more mixed. Connecticut's unemployment rate edged up to 4.8% in March, a 1.1 percentage point increase from a year ago. However, CTDOL officials were careful to note that unemployment benefits claims have not risen in tandem and remain consistent with last year's levels. Officials attributed the uptick largely to new entrants into the labor force and independent contractors having difficulty finding work — not to widespread layoffs.

Commissioner Danté Bartolomeo said the state's labor market is experiencing a post-pandemic normalization rather than deterioration. "Employers are seeing fewer quits and less churn in the market, but it takes job seekers longer to find a job," he said.

Connecticut's labor force shrank by 7,900 workers in March, and private sector employment has remained essentially flat since December. CTDOL officials said global economic uncertainty has slowed hiring across industries, though aggregate data show no significant acceleration in layoffs.  The April 2026 labor situation report is scheduled for release on May 21, 2026.