Maryland added more than 38,000 jobs in 2024, U.S. Department of Labor says

Maryland experienced a notable job increase in 2024, adding approximately 38,400 jobs, with 27,300 of these attributed to the private sector, as reported by the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics. In December alone, the state recorded a modest gain of 200 jobs.

Significant growth was observed in several sectors during December, including public sector employment, retail trade, and health care and social assistance, which collectively added 1,300, 1,000, and 900 jobs, respectively. Other sectors contributing to job growth included professional, scientific, and technical services with 700 new positions, while finance and insurance, as well as information, each saw an increase of 600 jobs.

Despite the overall growth, five sectors faced substantial job losses. The Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation sectors reported the largest decline, losing 2,600 jobs. Additionally, Other Services saw a decrease of 1,100 jobs, followed by Transportation, Warehousing, and Utilities with a loss of 600 jobs. The Private Educational Services and Construction sectors also faced losses, shedding 500 and 400 jobs, respectively.

Maryland maintained a stable unemployment rate of 3.1 percent in December, alongside a labor force participation rate of 65.6 percent. Both figures surpass national averages, with Maryland’s unemployment rate significantly lower than the national figure of 4.1 percent and its labor force participation exceeding the national average of 62.5 percent.

Overall, Maryland’s employment growth reflected a modest 1.4% increase over the year, pointing to a resilient labor market. For further details, additional information can be accessed on the BLS website as well as the Maryland Department of Labor's website.