New Mexico’s Job Market Update: Unemployment at 4.9%

Year-over-year, New Mexico added 400 nonagricultural jobs, representing growth of less than 0.1%.

Source: New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions Employment News Release, May 22, 2026

New Mexico’s unemployment rate ticked up slightly in April, according to the latest employment report from the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions.

The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 4.9% in April, up from 4.8% in March and 4.1% one year ago. Nationally, the unemployment rate held steady at 4.3%.

Year-over-year, New Mexico added 400 nonagricultural jobs, representing growth of less than 0.1%. Private sector employment increased by 2,200 jobs, while public sector employment declined by 1,800 jobs.

Among the strongest areas of growth were:

• Trade, transportation, and utilities, up 2,900 jobs
• Private education and health services, up 2,500 jobs
• Mining, up 600 jobs

Retail trade accounted for much of the gain in trade and transportation, adding 2,700 jobs compared to April 2025.

Several sectors reported declines over the year, including:

• Professional and business services, down 1,400 jobs
• Financial activities, down 1,000 jobs
• Federal government employment, down 2,500 jobs

The Department of Workforce Solutions said additional analysis will be included in the upcoming Labor Market Review scheduled for release June 2.