Maryland employment rose by 3,200 jobs in March

BALTIMORE, MD (May 6, 2026) - New employment estimates released today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) suggest total nonfarm employment in Maryland rose by 3,200 jobs in March. Despite continued headwinds from the federal government, including a loss of 600 federal jobs in March, Maryland's job growth has outperformed national trends across the first three months of 2026. Maryland has added 6,800 total jobs so far in 2026 and employment has grown roughly twice as fast as national trends.

Employment gains in Maryland were concentrated in Construction (2,000 jobs) and Health Care and Social Assistance (1,100 jobs). Strong growth in Construction balances out estimated losses last month. Despite volatility in monthly estimates, the sector has added 300 jobs overall thus far in 2026 and added 1,900 jobs over the past year. Growth in Health Care and Social Assistance has been even stronger, with the sector adding 4,900 jobs so far in 2026. During the Moore-Miller administration, Maryland's employment growth in Health Care and Social Assistance has outperformed the national rate (13.7% growth in Maryland vs 12.6% nationally).

BLS estimates that Maryland's unemployment rate remained steady at 4.3 percent in March, matching the national rate.

The five sectors with the largest estimated employment gains in March were: Construction (2,000 jobs); Health Care and Social Assistance (1,100 jobs); Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation (1,000 jobs); Manufacturing (800 jobs); and Private Educational Services (500 jobs).

The six sectors with the largest estimated employment losses in March were: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (-1,400 jobs); Other Services (-600 jobs); Finance and Insurance (-200 jobs); Real Estate and Rental and Leasing (-200 jobs); Accommodation and Food Services (-200 jobs); and Government (a net loss of 200 jobs due to a drop in federal employment of 600 jobs and a gain in state and local government of 400 jobs).

Note: Data is transferred to the Maryland Department of Labor's website directly from BLS servers. Our database may be refreshed with a brief lag. For more immediate access to this month's jobs data, please visit the BLS website. Please visit the Maryland Department of Labor's website to view the current employment situation.

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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 MD Labor on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and visit our website.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Dinah Winnick