The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) last week released November’s state jobs and unemployment data. According to the preliminary survey data, Maryland added 9,800 jobs last month. Maryland’s unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.6 percent.

Unemployment rates in November were lower in seven states, higher in five states, and stable in 38 states and the District of Columbia, according to the data. Seven states had jobless rate decreases from a year earlier, two states had increases, and 41 states and the District had little or no change. The national unemployment rate, 3.5 percent, has remained relatively stable for the past year.

According to a press release:

“Thanks to the Hogan administration’s dedication to putting more Marylanders back to work, the state’s unemployment rate has decreased from 5.4% in 2015 to 3.6% in 2019,” said Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Tiffany Robinson. “Employers are benefiting from the lowest unemployment insurance tax rate possible because of our strong economy, allowing them to create new jobs and opportunities for Maryland’s workforce.”

Last month, the Professional and Business Services sector experienced the most growth with an increase of 4,700 jobs from the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (3,900), Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services (700), and Management of Companies and Enterprises (100) subsectors.

The Leisure and Hospitality sector increased by 4,200 jobs from the Accommodation and Food Services (2,900) and Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (1,300) subsectors. Other sectors that experienced growth include Education and Health Services (900); Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (600); and Mining, Logging, and Construction sector (400).

The Other Services sector decreased by 900 jobs. Other sectors that experienced a decline include Financial Activities (400), Manufacturing (200) and Information (100).

Visit the BLS website for more information.