Virginia’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment rose by 600 jobs in July, according to preliminary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Current Employment Statistics (CES) survey. The state has seen an increase of 35,400 jobs since July 2024 and a total gain of 267,100 nonfarm jobs since January 2022.
June’s initial estimate for nonfarm payroll was revised upward by 2,800 jobs. This marks the fourth month in a row that Virginia’s job numbers have been revised up in 2025. In contrast, national figures have experienced downward revisions each month this year.
The unemployment rate in Virginia increased slightly to 3.6 percent in July, but it remains below the national average of 4.2 percent.
Job openings across Virginia also saw growth. On the last business day of June, there were 246,000 job openings statewide—an increase of 8,000 from May and up by 14 percent compared to June last year. Nationally, job openings remained largely unchanged during this period.
Governor Glenn Youngkin said, “Continued strong business investment drives opportunities for all Virginians. With 267,100 more people working today versus the start of our administration and 246,000 open jobs available, Virginia has jobs. This month’s reports reflect modest payroll growth, continued positive revisions in recent months, and strong labor force demand, reinforcing the resilience of Virginia’s job market.”
Data from the BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) survey shows that Virginia’s labor force decreased by just over six thousand people to a total of about 4.55 million in July. The number of unemployed residents grew by roughly two thousand to reach over 162 thousand individuals. The state’s labor force participation rate edged down by one-tenth of a percentage point to stand at 64.9 percent.
Secretary of Labor Bryan Slater commented: “Virginia’s job market has proven its resilience time and time again. We are encouraged to see the increase in payroll employment and job openings, along with a slowdown in separations, indicating that employers are still adding jobs in key sectors. Our focus remains on supporting jobseekers with training, upskilling, and connections to in-demand opportunities.”
Secretary of Commerce and Trade Juan Pablo Segura added: “The increase in payroll jobs, along with consistent positive revisions, signals confidence in Virginia’s economy. We remain committed to creating the conditions that businesses need to thrive and expand so that more Virginians enter – and remain – in the workforce.”
The LAUS survey gathers monthly household interviews for comprehensive labor force data while establishment surveys like CES count employees on employer payrolls but exclude certain categories such as self-employed workers or those on unpaid leave.
Further information is available at https://virginiaworks.com/.
