October Virginia Jobs Day Highlights Job Growth and Energy Career Opportunities for Virginians
Originally published by Department of Workforce Development and Advancement (Virginia Works) on Oct 22, 2026, 1:00 AM ET
RICHMOND, VA — The Spanberger Administration today released its October Virginia Jobs Day report, providing Virginians with an updated assessment of the Commonwealth’s economy and highlighting employment trends, workforce needs, and career opportunities across Virginia.
According to the latest data from Virginia Works, Virginia added 7,800 jobs in September, including 7,000 private-sector jobs. The Commonwealth’s unemployment rate held steady at 3.6 percent, remaining below the national rate of 4.2 percent. Employment gains were led by Education and Health Services, which added 3,400 jobs, followed by Miscellaneous Services with 1,300 additional jobs and Construction with 1,200 additional jobs. Eight of Virginia’s 11 major industry sectors added jobs over the month.
While Virginia experienced job growth in September, the Commonwealth’s labor force participation rate declined by 0.1 percentage points to 62.7 percent, and the labor force decreased by 4,160 people. Total nonfarm employment remained 25,600 jobs below its September 2025 level, including 18,300 fewer federal government jobs. These figures demonstrate why examining multiple economic indicators is important to understanding the Commonwealth’s economy and the challenges and opportunities facing Virginia’s workforce.
“September’s employment data shows steady job growth across key industries and highlights the strong career opportunities emerging in Virginia’s energy sector,” said Virginia Secretary of Labor Jessica Looman. “Virginia Jobs Day helps us turn these trends into meaningful insights for workers and employers, and under Governor Spanberger’s leadership, we remain focused on expanding access to training, supporting career transitions, and ensuring every Virginian has a pathway to long-term economic mobility.”
Connecting Virginians with Career Opportunities in the Energy Industry
This month’s Virginia Jobs Day report highlights the range of career opportunities in Virginia’s energy industry. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Virginia employed approximately 193,000 energy workers statewide in 2025. The utilities industry was among the fastest-growing industries nationally in September based on year-over-year job growth and has also been among Virginia’s fastest-growing industries this year.
Careers in the energy sector span electrical linework, power generation, solar and wind energy, engineering, project management, and other occupations that help power homes, businesses, and communities. Many of these jobs offer competitive wages. In May 2025, Virginia gas plant operators earned an average annual wage of $87,150 and power plant operators earned $74,290, compared with $74,040 for all Virginia jobs.
The report also spotlights electrical power-line installers and repairers, an occupation that typically requires a high school diploma or GED and on-the-job training. To help more Virginians explore opportunities in this field, Virginia Works is preparing to launch its new “Energize Your Career” page on VirginiaHasJobs.com, featuring information about energy-sector occupations and job resources.
“This month’s report shines a light on the growing demand for energy-related skills and the range of career paths available in this expanding sector,” said Virginia Works Commissioner Nicole Overley. “By combining labor market information with practical resources, Virginia Works helps job seekers connect their strengths to high‑quality opportunities and supports employers in building the skilled workforce they need.”
Virginia Jobs Day provides a monthly report on Virginia’s economy by examining employment trends, industry performance, regional labor market conditions, wages, and employer demand. By bringing this information together, the initiative helps Virginians better understand economic conditions and identify opportunities to enter the workforce, advance their careers, and develop skills for in-demand occupations.
To explore the October Virginia Jobs Day report, view the latest labor market data, and learn more about employment and training opportunities, visit VirginiaHasJobs.com/Virginia-Jobs-Day.
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Email Abigail Spanberger at:
abigail.spanberger@governor.virginia.gov