New Jersey's unemployment rate for May was 9.7 percent, equal to the national rate for the month.
According to data issued Wednesday, the jobs gained reflected 11,800 temporary Census workers in New Jersey hired by the federal government.
Private-sector employment fell by 3,600 jobs for the month.
Monthly job gains in manufacturing (+2,500) and financial services (+1,200) were offset by losses in education and health services (-3,700), professional and business services (-1,600) and leisure and hospitality (-2,500).
The unemployment rate was 9.8 percent in March and April.
