• The most recent jobs report showed that between February 2025 and March 2025, Maryland lost 1,200 Total Nonfarm jobs.
  • The official unemployment rate for Maryland held steady at 3.0 percent.

According to the most recent report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Maryland lost a total of 1,200 Total Nonfarm jobs between February 2025 and March 2025. This was a result of a gain of 2,300 Total Private jobs being more than offset by a decrease of 3,500 Total Government jobs. Maryland’s unemployment rate remained at 3.0 percent.

Our previous report highlighted mass layoffs in the federal workforce that were not yet reflected in early BLS data. March continued this trend, with multiple agencies announcing layoffs. Approximately 13 percent of civilian federal employees have been affected by workforce reduction directives issued by DOGE. Many have been reinstated or placed on administrative leave due to political pushbacks and ongoing legal challenges. Groups of affected employees and unions have filed lawsuits that are pending rulings. Some rulings have temporarily paused orders to redirect hirings or have already sided in the administration’s authority to direct mass firings. Many of these actions are still not reflected in BLS data, as employees on administrative leave are still considered employed even if they are scheduled to be terminated at a future date.

In response to these federal actions, state and local governments are working together to provide support and job opportunities for those affected. According to the Fast Facts of Maryland’s Federal Workforce, in 2023, there were 158,475 civilian federal jobs in Maryland, employing an estimated 269,000 residents with an average salary of $126,468. Federal contracts accounted for about $46.5 billion of contract dollars spent in Maryland, or 10.5% of the state’s GDP.

Maryland’s economic future also faces significant uncertainly with the threat and implementation of major tariffs being imposed by the new administration, including universal tariffs of 10 percent and  “reciprocal” tariffs of up to 50% on specific countries based on bilateral trade deficits, with even higher tariffs on China. As of this writing, the reciprocal tariffs have been paused in favor of trade negotiations with various countries, while tariffs on China have been increased to 145 percent, with even higher taxes on specific products. While the sheer size and scope of the proposed tariffs is sufficient to cause economic harm and a likely recession, many businesses are also struggling with uncertainty while trade agreements are negotiated, unable to know what level of tariffs to ultimately expect.

These tariffs pose additional risks to the Port of Baltimore, one of the busiest ports in the nation. Governor Moore noted that Canada is a key trade partner for Maryland, and tariff hikes could disrupt port operations that support thousands of jobs. In 2024, the Port of Baltimore handled approximately 45.9 million tons of international cargo, valued at an estimated $62.2 billion. As trade wars escalate due to retaliatory actions, the Port of Baltimore, which ranks 10th for international cargo according to state reports, may face future challenges.

RESI will continue to monitor new policies at both the federal and state level and their potential impact on the economy of Maryland. With the situation evolving quickly, stay tuned for more updates on how employment is changing across Maryland, the region, and the country.