Maryland employment fell by 5,500 in February following delayed seasonal losses

BALTIMORE, MD (April 22, 2026) – New employment estimates released today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) suggest total nonfarm employment in Maryland fell by 5,500 jobs in February. Each month, BLS adjusts employment estimates to account for “typical” seasonal employment patterns. This year, seasonal job losses that typically occur in January after the winter holidays occurred slightly later, in February. This shift caused Maryland employment to look stronger in January and weaker in February, consistent with national trends. Reviewing job data across both January and February combined shows a clearer picture of 2026 to date.

Across January and February 2026, Maryland has added 3,300 total nonfarm jobs. Private-sector employment has expanded by 5,500 jobs while public sector employment has fallen by 2,200 jobs, largely due to losses in federal employment. This growth has outpaced national trends; Maryland’s private-sector employment grew by 0.24 percent across January and February compared to 0.04 percent growth nationally.

BLS estimates that Maryland’s unemployment rate remained steady at 4.3 percent in February, slightly below the national rate that month at 4.4 percent. 

The four sectors with estimated employment gains in February were: Other Services (1,100 jobs); Government (600 jobs, including 1,000 jobs gained in state and local government and 400 federal government jobs lost); Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation (500 jobs); and Manufacturing (400 jobs).

The five sectors with the largest estimated employment losses in February were: Construction (-4,100 jobs); Transportation, Warehousing, and Utilities (-2,000 jobs); Accommodation and Food Services (-800 jobs); Health Care and Social Assistance (-600 jobs); and Wholesale Trade (-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