Maryland Adds 11,000 Jobs, Unemployment Rate Decreases to 3.3%
Record January Job Growth, Lowest Unemployment Rate in Over 12 Years
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released state jobs and unemployment data today. According to the preliminary survey data, Maryland added 11,000 jobs in January. This is the largest over-the-month job growth in the month of January since this data collection started in 1990. Maryland’s unemployment rate decreased to 3.3%, which is the lowest rate since January 2008.
“We are extremely pleased with Maryland’s continued jobs growth, particularly as we now face a time of economic uncertainty during the coronavirus pandemic,” said Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford. “Our administration remains committed to supporting Maryland’s job creators and business community during this time to minimize the financial impact of the current public health emergency and continue the state’s economic growth.”
Last month, the Mining, Logging, and Construction sector experienced the most growth with an increase of 3,400 jobs. The Professional and Business Services sector increased by 3,000 jobs, based on jobs growth in Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (1,700) and Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services (1,300).
“Maryland’s continued jobs growth is a testament to the strength and endurance of our state’s business community,” said Labor Secretary Tiffany P. Robinson. “To help support businesses as they respond to the coronavirus outbreak, several federal and state agencies have collaborated to launch a new page on Maryland Business Express. I encourage all business owners to visit the Business Express website to learn how we can serve you in these uncertain times.”
The Education and Health Services sector increased by 2,600 jobs from growth in Educational Services (1,500) and Health Care and Social Assistance (1,100). Other sectors that experienced growth include: Leisure and Hospitality (2,200); Other Services (900); Information (700); and Manufacturing (100).
The Trade, Transportation, and Utilities sector decreased by 2,200 jobs and the Financial Activities Sector decreased by 100 jobs.
December’s preliminary jobs estimate was revised upwards by 1,600 jobs, from a gain of 6,500 jobs to a gain of 8,100 jobs.
About the Maryland Department of Labor
The Maryland Department of Labor is committed to safeguarding and protecting Marylanders. We're proud to support the economic stability of the state by providing businesses, the workforce, and the consuming public with high-quality, customer-focused regulatory, employment, and training services. For updates and information, follow the Maryland Department of Labor on Twitter (@MD_Labor), Facebook and visit our website.
Note: Data is transferred to the Maryland Department of Labor’s website directly from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) servers. A slight lag may exist as our database is refreshed. For more immediate access to this month's jobs data, please visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) website.
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