• The most recent job report reveals that between May 2026 and June 2026, Maryland gained 900 Total Nonfarm jobs.
  • The official unemployment rate in Maryland fell to 4.3 percent..

According to the most recent report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Maryland added 900 total nonfarm jobs between May 2026 and June 2026. This increase was driven by gains in the government sector (1,300 jobs), while total private employment declined by 400 jobs. Maryland’s unemployment rate decreased by 0.1 percentage points to 4.3 percent in June but remains 0.2 percentage points higher than in June 2025.

Nationally, unemployment rates remained largely stable across 40 states, holding at 4.2 percent over both the month and the year. Maryland improved to 30th among all states for the lowest unemployment rate in the nation.

Among neighboring Mid-Atlantic states, Virginia (3.7 percent) and Pennsylvania (4.1 percent) reported lower unemployment rates than Maryland. By comparison, Maryland’s rate remains below those of Delaware (4.9 percent) and the District of Columbia (6.0 percent).

In reviewing federal workforce trends in the state, initial federal unemployment insurance (UCFE) claims in Maryland have remained largely elevated and stable in recent months, totaling 9,941 claims between January 19, 2025, and June 27, 2026. For the week ending June 27, the state reported 17 initial and 377 continuing UCFE claims, compared with 18 initial claims in the week ending January 25, 2026, the start of the Trump-Vance administration. These figures suggest a slight easing toward 2024 weekly averages of 11 initial and 122 continuing UCFE claims.

In related economic news in Maryland, Governor Moore recently announced Maryland Buy Local Week (July 17–25, 2026), which encourages Marylanders to support local economic activity by purchasing locally produced goods, including produce, meats, and seafood. The Summer season also features a variety of local festivals, events, and farmers markets that generate tourism and spending across the state. Looking ahead, Marylanders can take advantage of shopping Maryland Tax-Free Week (August 9–15, 2026), which provides savings for families, local businesses, and communities on qualifying purchases and helps strengthen the state’s local economy.

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.