In April, Maryland saw a significant uptick in hiring, continuing the post-COVID dip in unemployment, which reached historic lows.
Updated employment data released by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) on May 19 showed that Maryland gained about 8,000 jobs in April and that the unemployment rate decreased to 2.5 percent — the third consecutive month of record-setting low unemployment in the state. In fact, the 2.5 percent rate is the lowest in history since the BLS began publishing unemployment estimates for Maryland in January 1976.
Across the country, April jobless rates were down in 14 states, including Maryland, and payroll jobs up in 5 states. Unemployment remained “stable” in the other 36 states and D.C.. Overall, Maryland was tenth in lowest unemployment rate.
A Maryland Department of Labor press release explained which sectors saw the most growth:
- The Public sector experienced the most growth with an increase of 5,500 jobs.
- Professional and Business Services added 2,900 jobs
- Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added 1,300 jobs
- Private Education and Health Services added 600 jobs
- Information added 400 jobs
The gains in the public sector are particularly exciting, as all levels of government — including counties — are struggling to hire and retain a talented workforce.
Sectors that experienced a decline in jobs included Financial Activities (700); Leisure and Hospitality (600); Mining, Logging, and Construction (600); Manufacturing (400); and Other Services (400).