Private vs. Public Sector Job Growth in 2025: What the Numbers Show Recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data for 2025 reveal that total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 584,000 jobs over the year. All net gains came from the private sector, while federal government employment declined significantly (down ~277,000 from its January peak). This shift reflects policy efforts to reduce federal bureaucracy, with private industries like health care and leisure/hospitality contributing to gains. In cont