PR labor survey shows job growth, lower unemployment in February.

Labor and Human Resources Secretary María del Pilar Vélez Casanova

By THE STAR STAFF

Puerto Rico’s labor market continued to show signs of stability and sustained job growth in February, according to the latest edition of the Department of Labor and Human Resources’ Household Survey.

Labor Secretary María del Pilar Vélez Casanova said the February 2026 data confirms that the island “continues advancing toward a more stable and resilient labor market.”

She noted that the administration of Gov. Jenniffer González Colón has emphasized job creation, economic development, and public policies to strengthen the workforce.

“With her support, we are equipping employers with tools and creating new opportunities for workers,” Vélez Casanova said. “Our commitment is to continue working so that more people have access to quality jobs and can build a better future for their families.” 

According to the report, Puerto Rico’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 5.6% in February, a 0.1 percentage point decrease from January. The number of unemployed residents dropped to 69,000, representing 1,000 fewer people than the previous month.

Total employment reached 1,165,000, an increase of 1,000 workers both month‑to‑month and year‑over‑year. The labor force was estimated at 1,234,000, reflecting an annual increase of 2,000 people.

The labor force participation rate stood at 44.7%, a slight adjustment from January and an increase of 0.3 percentage points from February 2025, signaling greater engagement of the population in the labor market.

The Nonfarm Payroll Employment Survey also reported positive results. In February 2026, payroll employment rose to 951,500, an increase of 1,600 jobs from January and 400 jobs year-over-year.

Sectors showing growth included recreation and lodging; mining, logging and construction; professional and business services; finance, education and health services; and other services. The government was the only sector that registered a decline.

Vélez Casanova encouraged residents to explore Puerto Rico’s newly modernized labor statistics portal at mercadolaboral.pr.gov, where users can access data, publications and interactive tools related to employment trends.