From December 2024 to March 2025, private-sector establishments in Kentucky experienced a net employment gain of 6,917 jobs, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Gross job gains from opening and expanding businesses reached 88,175, while gross job losses from closing and contracting establishments totaled 81,258 during this period.
Regional Commissioner Victoria G. Lee stated that “the difference between the number of gross job gains and the number of gross job losses yielded a net employment gain of 6,917 jobs in the private sector during the first quarter of 2025.” In comparison, the previous quarter saw gross job losses surpassing gains by 3,285.
Business Employment Dynamics (BED) statistics track changes in employment at private-sector businesses from one quarter to the next. The BED data series provide information on gross job gains and losses by industry subsector for all states and certain territories.
In Kentucky’s first quarter of 2025, gross job gains represented 5.2 percent of private-sector employment. Nationally, this figure was slightly higher at 5.6 percent. Expanding establishments in Kentucky contributed 72,762 jobs—an increase of 186 compared to the previous quarter—while new business openings accounted for another 15,413 jobs but marked a decrease of 1,394 from earlier figures.
Gross job losses made up 4.8 percent of Kentucky’s private-sector employment during this time frame; nationally, these losses were at 5.4 percent. Contracting businesses lost a total of 68,021 jobs in Kentucky—a reduction of over ten thousand compared to the prior quarter—while closures resulted in an additional loss of 13,237 jobs.
Eight out of eleven major industry sectors in Kentucky reported more gross job gains than losses for this period. Professional and business services led with a net increase of 4,127 jobs due to its combination of high gains (17,587) and lower losses (13,460). Retail trade saw a net gain of 1,733 positions; education and health services added another net gain totaling 1,622 jobs. Conversely, leisure and hospitality posted a net loss—the largest among sectors—with a decrease of about 1,400 positions.
The BLS compiles BED data through its Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages program as part of a federal-state cooperative effort. The next release covering second-quarter results is scheduled for February 26th of next year.
For further details about Business Employment Dynamics or related methodology information can be found on their official homepage or summary page provided by BLS.
