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Maryland Adds 400 Private Sector Jobs in February and the Unemployment Rate Drops to 4.7%

Since January 2015, Maryland gained 41,900 jobs

BALTIMORE, MD (March 25, 2016) – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released state jobs and unemployment data earlier today. According to the preliminary survey data, Maryland's private sector created 400 jobs over-the-month. February's preliminary jobs report shows a loss of 1,800 jobs. However, compared with February 2015, Maryland total jobs are up by 37,600, an over-the-year change of 1.4%. Maryland’s preliminary jobs estimate for January was revised by BLS from a gain of 1,900 to a gain of 800 jobs.

Maryland’s February preliminary unemployment rate dropped to 4.7 percent from the January revised rate of 4.8 percent.

"Maryland's private sector remains strong with the addition of 400 new jobs -- with 300 jobs gained in the manufacturing sector. Last year, Maryland added 2,300 manufacturing jobs, the first reported increase in a calendar year since 1997. The Maryland Department of Labor is committed to changing Maryland for the better by expanding access to employment opportunities through the recent launch of innovative initiatives such as the Youth Apprenticeship pilot program in Frederick County and the MWEJOBS mobile app," said Maryland Labor Secretary Kelly M. Schulz.

According to data released today, the Education and Health Services sector increased by 5,400 jobs. (The Educational Services subsector increased by 3,200 jobs and the Health Care and Social Assistance subsector increased by 2,200 jobs.) The Trade, Transportation, and Utilities sector added 1,000 jobs. (The Wholesale Trade subsector increased by 200 jobs and the Retail Trade subsector increased by 1,300 jobs.) The Manufacturing sector increased by 300 jobs. (The Durable Goods subsector increased by 100 and the Non-Durable Goods subsector increased by 200,) The Financial Activities sector increased by 100 jobs. (The Finance and Insurance subsector increased by 600 jobs.)

About the Maryland Department of Labor
The Maryland Department of Labor is committed to safeguarding and protecting Marylanders. We're proud to support the economic stability of the state by providing businesses, the workforce, and the consuming public with high-quality, customer-focused regulatory, employment, and training services. For updates and information, follow the Maryland Department of Labor on Twitter (@MD_Labor), Facebook and visit our website.

Employment Situation

Note: Data is spidered in on the DLLR website directly from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) using Datazoa and a slight lag may exist as the database is refreshed.

For immediate access to this month's jobs data please go to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) website.