From December 2024 to March 2025, Mississippi experienced a net loss of 3,693 private-sector jobs, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). During this period, gross job losses from closing and contracting establishments totaled 57,475, while gross job gains from opening and expanding businesses reached 53,782.
Regional Commissioner Victoria G. Lee stated, “The difference between the number of gross job gains and the number of gross job losses yielded a net employment loss of 3,693 jobs in the private sector during the first quarter of 2025.” In contrast, the previous quarter saw a net gain of 1,171 jobs.
Gross job losses accounted for 6.1 percent of private-sector employment in Mississippi during this quarter. Nationally, such losses made up 5.4 percent. Contracting establishments in Mississippi were responsible for losing 49,547 jobs—an increase compared to the prior quarter—while closing establishments lost another 7,928 jobs.
On the other hand, gross job gains represented 5.7 percent of private-sector employment in Mississippi; nationally this figure was slightly lower at 5.6 percent. Expanding establishments added 42,204 jobs—a decrease from the previous quarter—and new openings contributed an additional 11,578 positions.
Within industry sectors across Mississippi, four out of ten reported more job losses than gains during this time frame. The leisure and hospitality sector had the largest decline with a net decrease of 2,468 jobs; it saw gross job losses reach 11,471 against only 9,003 gains. Professional and business services recorded a net loss of 2,257 jobs as well. In contrast, construction posted the highest net gain among all sectors with an increase of 1,804 jobs; education and health services followed with a net gain of 1,085.
The BLS compiles Business Employment Dynamics (BED) data through its Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages program in cooperation with state agencies nationwide. These figures are available for each state as well as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
The next BED release covering April to June (second quarter) will be published on February 26th next year at www.bls.gov/bdm/.
For further information about methodology or accessibility accommodations related to these statistics or future releases from BLS’s Business Employment Dynamics series—including details about coverage and definitions—readers can visit www.bls.gov/bdm/tech-notes.htm or contact BLS directly via phone.
