• The most recent job report reveals that between April 2026 and May 2026, Maryland gained 5,100 Total Nonfarm jobs.
  • The official unemployment rate for Maryland held at 4.4 percent.

According to the most recent report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Maryland added 5,100 total nonfarm jobs between April 2026 and May 2026. This increase was driven entirely by gains in the private sector, while total government employment remained unchanged overall. Within government, federal and state employment each declined by 200 jobs, but these losses were offset by a gain of 400 jobs in local government. Maryland’s unemployment rate held steady at 4.4 percent in May, unchanged from April and 0.4 percentage points higher than a year earlier.

Nationally, unemployment rates remained stable, holding at an overall rate of 4.3 percent over both the month and year. Maryland was again among the states with statistically significant year-over-year changes, with its unemployment rate 0.4 percentage points higher than a year earlier. The state now ranks 31st nationally for the lowest unemployment rate, tied with Minnesota.

Among neighboring Mid-Atlantic states, Virginia (3.8 percent) and Pennsylvania (4.2 percent) reported lower unemployment rates than Maryland. By comparison, Maryland’s rate remains below those of Delaware (5.1 percent) and the District of Columbia (6.1 percent).

Recent research building on reports issued by the Comptroller of Maryland’s Office last June further examines the state’s economic resilience as it weathers federal funding and job cuts. Maryland reportedly lost 29,200 federal government jobs between January 2025 and April 2026, following federal workforce reductions under the Trump-Vance administration. These findings highlight the significance of federal employment trends for Maryland’s broader economy and help inform stakeholder planning and assessment of emerging challenges.

In review of federal workforce trends in the state, Initial federal unemployment insurance (UCFE) claims in Maryland remain elevated and stable within recent months, with 9,863 claims filed between January 19, 2025, and June 6, 2026. For the week ending June 6, the state reported 30 initial and 394 continuing UCFE claims; still well above 2024 averages of 11 initial and 122 continuing UCFE claims per week, respectively.

At the national level, the Federal Open Market Committee held its benchmark interest rate steady at 3.5%–3.75% during its June meeting, marking Kevin Warsh’s first meeting as Federal Reserve chair. The committee issued a shorter than usual statement, emphasizing key economic “facts,” and reiterated its commitment to bringing inflation down to 2%.

The Regional Economic Studies Institute (RESI) at Towson University will continue monitoring new federal and state policies and their potential impact on Maryland’s economy. With the situation evolving quickly, stay tuned for updates on employment trends across Maryland, the region, and the nation.