Maryland Adds 6,500 Jobs, Unemployment Rate Decreases to 3.5%
Strongest Five-Month Stretch of Job Gains Since 2010, New Record Low for Unemployment in the Past Decade
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) today released state jobs and unemployment data. According to the preliminary survey data, Maryland added 6,500 jobs in December. During the past five months, 41,900 have been gained, which is the strongest five-month stretch of job gains since March 2010. Maryland’s unemployment rate has decreased to 3.5%, which is a new record low for unemployment in the past decade.
“Since our administration took office just over five years ago, over 56,000 Marylanders are no longer unemployed, representing the largest decline in unemployment for any Maryland Governor in recorded history,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “With more Marylanders working and more businesses open than ever before, we are delivering on our promise to change Maryland for the better.”
Last month, the Education and Health Services sector experienced the most growth with an increase of 2,500 jobs from the Health Care and Social Assistance (1,700) and Education Services (800) sectors. The Leisure and Hospitality sector also had a significant increase of 2,000 jobs from the Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (1,500) and Accommodation and Food Services (500) sectors.
“Through our department’s nationally-recognized EARN Maryland and apprenticeship programs, we are working directly with the business community to cultivate the skilled workforce they need to compete and grow in the ever-changing 21st century economy,” said Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Tiffany Robinson. “With the record-breaking workforce development funding in Governor Hogan’s proposed budget, Labor will have the ability to expand and support these industry-led partnerships like never before.”
Other sectors that experienced growth include: Other Services (1,100); Professional and Business Services (1,100); Financial Activities (500); and Mining, Logging, and Construction (400).
The Information sector decreased by 700 jobs, the Manufacturing sector decreased by 200 jobs, and the Trade, Transportation, and Utilities sector decreased by 200 jobs.
November’s preliminary jobs estimate was revised upwards by 2,500 jobs, from a gain of 9,800 jobs to a gain of 12,300 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.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Fallon Pearre