The increase was 22,000 new jobs, compared with an increase of 37,000 in December, according to revised figures.
Analysts' expectations were for an increase of 45,000 jobs in the sector in January, according to Bloomberg's compilation of forecasts.
The ADP report usually comes a few days before the Nonfarm Payrolls report, a monthly federal report from the U.S. Department of Labor on employment and unemployment. However, partial shutdowns have delayed the release of the Nonfarm Payrolls report that was due on Friday.
It is still unclear when the federal jobs figures might be released.
