Maryland adds 2,300 total jobs in April 2025 despite loss of 2,600 federal government jobs
Maryland’s unemployment rate increased to 3.1 percent in April
BALTIMORE, MD (May 21, 2025) – Maryland added 2,300 total jobs in April 2025, according to new estimates released today by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). While Maryland's employment in the private sector and in state and local government expanded last month, federal employment fell by an estimated 2,600 jobs, tempering the state’s overall jobs growth.
April’s report is the second to reflect actions taken by the new federal administration that impact federal employees and contractors, including reductions in force (RIFs), terminations of federal contracts, and grant cancellations. However, the April jobs report does not reflect the most recent RIFs, employees who were placed on administrative leave or who accepted “buyout” offers and are still being paid, federal employees who selected deferred retirement, or the ongoing tariff situation.
Maryland’s federal workforce is crucial to the state’s economy, and the concentration of federal workers in Maryland is second in the nation, following only Washington, DC. Accordingly, Maryland continues to focus on providing support resources to help residents who have been impacted by federal layoffs and other actions.
These include a public servants resource website, to serve as a central location for information and resources to assist impacted workers and their families. Additionally, the Maryland Department of Labor resources webpage for federal workers and contractors provides information on unemployment insurance benefits, career guidance, and reemployment support through American Job Centers (AJCs) and the Professional Outplacement Assistance Center (POAC).
BLS also reports that Maryland’s unemployment rate increased slightly to 3.1 percent in April.
The five sectors with the largest employment gains in April were: Transportation, Warehousing, and Utilities (3,300 jobs); Construction (1,700 jobs); Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (1,000 jobs); Health Care and Social Assistance (700 jobs); and Accommodation and Food Services (500 jobs).
The five sectors with the largest estimated employment losses in April were: Government (-1,300 jobs); Wholesale Trade (-1,300 jobs); Retail Trade (-1,100); Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (-900 jobs); and Manufacturing (-800).
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, Twitter, Facebook, and visit our website.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Dinah Winnick