Rhode Island Adds 700 Jobs as Unemployment Hits 3.9%

Rhode Island workers saw their local unemployment rate dip below the national average last month, a milestone that signals resilience in the Ocean State's economy.

The state added 700 jobs in July while unemployment fell to 3.9%, two-tenths of a point lower than June and outpacing the national rate of 4.1%. Total nonfarm employment reached 513,900 positions, according to figures released by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

Construction led the monthly gains with 400 new positions, continuing a recovery that's now added jobs for several consecutive months. Administrative and waste services also picked up 400 positions, while the "other services" category added 700 jobs and now stands 1,000 positions higher than last year.

Manufacturing workers saw their paychecks grow too. Production staff earned an average of $26.76 per hour in July, up 66 cents from June and 20 cents higher than a year ago. Average weekly factory hours settled at 42.7, showing steady demand for skilled tradespeople.

Private sector employment gained 700 jobs overall and remains 200 positions ahead of where it stood in July 2025. That growth came despite some softness in hospitality, with accommodation and food services shedding 200 positions during the month.

The Bright Side

Rhode Island's unemployment rate now sits comfortably below the national benchmark, a reversal from earlier periods when the state lagged behind. Local businesses continue hiring despite national economic uncertainty, and wage growth in key manufacturing sectors shows employers competing for talent.

The construction sector's consistent gains point to ongoing development projects creating opportunities for skilled workers. When construction thrives, it often signals confidence in the broader economy and creates ripple effects through related industries like manufacturing and transportation.

These preliminary numbers will face standard revisions as deeper data arrives from federal sources, but the current trajectory shows Rhode Island holding its own. The state labor department plans to release August employment figures on September 17, offering the next checkpoint for tracking the local recovery.