Skip to Content Accessibility Information

Maryland Department of Labor Releases Data Resources on Maryland's Federal Workforce

BALTIMORE, MD (April 15, 2025) - The Maryland Department of Labor (MD Labor) has released two new documents that provide information on Maryland’s federal workforce as well as how that workforce has been impacted by recent federal layoffs and funding disruptions.

“Maryland has the second highest concentration of federal employees of any jurisdiction in the country,” says Secretary of Labor Portia Wu. “It is essential that we understand the impacts of recent federal actions on Marylanders, so we can provide them with the support they need, from unemployment benefits to career transition resources.”

“Federal workers have dedicated their careers to public service and they are an asset to our state,” says Deputy Secretary of Labor Jason Perkins-Cohen. “We are committed to being here for them.”

“Fast Facts: Maryland’s Federal Workforce” is a reference document with commonly requested data on how the federal government impacts Maryland’s economy. It includes baseline information (from prior to recent federal actions) on the:

  • Number of federal civilian jobs in Maryland
  • Number of Maryland residents employed by the federal government
  • Average annual earnings for federal civilian jobs in Maryland
  • Estimated number of Maryland federal contractors
  • Estimated federal contract dollars spent in Maryland; and
  • Percent of Maryland’s GDP from the federal government.

The Fast Facts document also shows the distribution of federal jobs and federal workers by county. It highlights how federal employment touches every county across the state of Maryland.

“How Federal Actions Are Impacting Maryland Employment: High-Frequency Indicators” provides information on unemployment insurance (UI) claims in Maryland. Regularly updated versions of this document will be available through the UI metrics webpage, posted weekly.

This document provides initial UI claims by county for the most recent week for which data is available. This includes both (1) federal workers, filing through the UI program that is specific to them (called Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees, or UCFE), and (2) workers who are not federal employees, filing through the regular state UI program, such as federal contractors, other private sector workers, and state and local public sector workers. This document also includes more granular information on each of these types of claims individually, providing charts to visualize trends over time.

This High-Frequency Indicators resource concludes with answers to frequently asked questions, given the complexity of unemployment insurance claims data.

Access these new resources through MD Labor’s UI metrics webpage.

###

The Maryland Department of Labor strives to create an equitable and inclusive Maryland where all residents have the opportunities and resources to attain financial stability, reach their career potential, and contribute to their communities; where businesses have access to capital and the skilled workforce they need to succeed; where workplaces are safe and well-regulated; and where the economy is resilient and growing. For updates and information, follow Labor on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and visit our website.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Dinah Winnick