SULLIVAN COUNTY — Private sector employment in New York increased modestly in January, while Sullivan County posted stronger year-over-year gains, according to a press release issued by the New York State Department of Labor.

Statewide, private sector jobs rose by 20,200, or 0.2 percent, in January, while the unemployment rate held steady at 4.6 percent.

In Sullivan County, total non-farm employment reached 30,900 in January 2026, a decrease of 700 jobs from December but an increase of 1,100 jobs, or 3.7 percent, compared to January 2025.

Private sector employment in the county totaled 25,000 jobs, down 600 over the month but up 1,100 jobs, or 4.6 percent, over the year.

Employment gains in the county were concentrated in a small number of sectors. Private education and health services added 900 jobs, a 10.7 percent increase over the year. Manufacturing employment rose by 100 jobs, or 5.3 percent, while professional and business services and trade, transportation and utilities each added 100 jobs.

Leisure and hospitality was the only major sector to decline over the year, losing 100 jobs, or 2.8 percent. Government and construction employment levels remained unchanged compared to a year ago.

The month-to-month decline in jobs reflects a seasonal trend also seen across the Hudson Valley, where employment typically falls from December to January.