Gov. Youngkin announces job growth and record job opportunities in Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. — Gov. Glenn Youngkin today highlighted the ongoing strength and expansion of Virginia’s workforce, drawing on the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The new figures reveal significant gains in employment and continued labor force growth, underscoring the Commonwealth’s resilient and dynamic labor market.

“Virginia’s labor market continues to demonstrate resilience and growth, with a strong increase in nonfarm payrolls, a growing labor force, and low unemployment,” said Youngkin. “Our commitment to business-friendly policies, reducing costs, and fostering innovation has created an environment where both Virginia companies and Virginians can thrive.”

Virginia’s labor force increased by 2,502 to reach 4,581,450, maintaining a steady labor force participation rate of 66.0 percent. According to the Current Employment Statistics (“CES” or “the establishment survey”), non-farm payroll employment in Virginia increased by 4,900 in December. November’s preliminary numbers were revised to 8,500 jobs gained (an upward revision of 3,200), bringing total nonfarm jobs to 4,268,200, an increase of 76,900 jobs in 2024. Following upward revisions to November figures and strong 2024 job additions, total nonfarm payroll growth since January 2022 now stands at 265,300 jobs, with more than 65,000 additional jobs anticipated based on company announcements.

There’s more to this in the current issue of the Times Virginian newspaper. Support local journalism by purchasing the issue at a local newsstand or subscribing at www.timesvirginian.com/subscriber_services to receive the print edition or view the full article in the e-edition version.