The Maryland Department of Labor (MD Labor) released two new data resources on April 16, 2025, detailing the scope of Maryland’s federal workforce and the effects of recent federal layoffs and funding disruptions. The documents, “Fast Facts: Maryland’s Federal Workforce” and “How Federal Actions Are Impacting Maryland Employment: High-Frequency Indicators,” aim to provide critical insights to support affected workers with unemployment benefits and career transition resources.
“Maryland has the second highest concentration of federal employees of any jurisdiction in the country,” said Secretary of Labor Portia Wu. “It is essential that we understand the impacts of recent federal actions on Marylanders, so we can provide them with the support they need, from unemployment benefits to career transition resources.” Maryland’s significant federal workforce, second only to the District of Columbia, makes it particularly vulnerable to federal policy changes, such as government shutdowns or workforce reductions, according to MD Labor’s findings.
The “Fast Facts: Maryland’s Federal Workforce” document provides baseline data on the federal government’s economic footprint in Maryland, prior to recent federal actions. It includes the number of federal civilian jobs, the count of Maryland residents employed by the federal government, average annual earnings for these jobs, estimated federal contractor numbers, federal contract dollars spent in the state, and the percentage of Maryland’s GDP derived from federal activities. The document also breaks down federal employment by county, illustrating its statewide reach. For example, counties like Prince George’s and Montgomery, near Washington, D.C., have significant federal employment, but even rural counties are impacted, per the Maryland Department of Labor.
The second resource, “How Federal Actions Are Impacting Maryland Employment: High-Frequency Indicators,” tracks unemployment insurance (UI) claims with weekly updates available through MD Labor’s UI metrics webpage. It provides initial UI claims data by county for the most recent week, distinguishing between claims filed by federal employees through the Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE) program and those filed by non-federal workers, such as federal contractors and private-sector employees, through the regular state UI program. The document includes charts to visualize claim trends over time and answers to frequently asked questions to clarify the complexities of UI data.
“Federal workers have dedicated their careers to public service and they are an asset to our state,” said Deputy Secretary of Labor Jason Perkins-Cohen. “We are committed to being here for them.” The release of these tools follows Governor Wes Moore’s February 28 announcement of actions to support Marylanders affected by federal workforce reductions, including enhanced UI access and job placement services.
Maryland’s economy, which relies heavily on federal employment, faces unique challenges from federal actions. The state hosts approximately 147,524 federal workers, and federal contract spending significantly boosts local economies, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.. Recent federal layoffs, including those tied to the Trump administration’s workforce reduction plans, have prompted MD Labor to prepare for increased UI claims, with Secretary Wu noting early applications from federal contractors.
The High-Frequency Indicators document addresses these shifts, offering real-time data to guide state and local policymakers. MD Labor encourages affected workers to access UI benefits through the BEACON portal or by calling 667-207-6520, with specific guidance for federal employees on the UCFE program. The department also provides reemployment services, such as the Maryland Workforce Exchange, to aid career transitions.
