Employment increased in four of Connecticut’s six largest planning regions between March 2024 and March 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Acting Regional Commissioner Mark J. Maggi stated, “The Capitol and Southeastern Connecticut Planning Regions had the largest over-the-year increase in employment, each with a gain of 0.8 percent.”
In March 2025, the Capitol Planning Region reported the highest employment among these regions with 526,300 jobs. The six largest planning regions together made up nearly 89 percent of all covered employment in Connecticut. Nationally, large counties account for about 73 percent of total covered employment.
All six major planning regions saw increases in average weekly wages over the year. Western Connecticut experienced the highest wage growth at 5.6 percent, while other regions posted gains ranging from 1.6 to 4.7 percent.
Average weekly wages surpassed the national average of $1,589 in two of these regions: Western Connecticut ($3,483) and another unspecified region. Naugatuck Valley had an average weekly wage of $1,443.
For three smaller planning regions—those with fewer than 75,000 jobs—employment and wage data are also available but not for annual changes. All three smaller areas recorded average weekly wages below the national level; Lower Connecticut River Valley led among them at $1,427 per week while Northeastern Connecticut was lowest at $1,163.
Of all nine planning regions in Connecticut, four reported average weekly wages under $1,450; one region fell between $1,450 and $1,499; two were between $1,500 and $1,549; and two reached or exceeded $1,550 per week.
Further details on state-level QCEW data can be found in table three accompanying this release. Nationwide information is published separately through the County Employment and Wages news release as well as resources on quarterly employment statistics from BLS.
The next County Employment and Wages report covering second quarter data is scheduled for December 3, 2025.
