BALTIMORE, Md. — Maryland’s economy gained 2,300 jobs in April 2025, driven by private sector and local government growth, despite a loss of 2,600 federal jobs, according to estimates released on May 21, 2025, by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The state’s unemployment rate rose slightly to 3.1 percent, reflecting the impact of federal workforce reductions. Maryland, with the nation’s second-highest concentration of federal workers after Washington, D.C., is expanding resources to support those affected by layoffs.
The April jobs report marks the second to capture effects from the new federal administration’s policies, including reductions in force, contract terminations, and grant cancellations. However, it excludes recent layoffs, employees on administrative leave, those who accepted buyout offers, deferred retirees, and impacts from ongoing tariffs. The state’s robust private sector growth in transportation, construction, and entertainment helped offset federal losses, though overall job gains were tempered.
Transportation, Warehousing, and Utilities led with 3,300 new jobs, followed by Construction with 1,700 jobs. Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation added 1,000 jobs, while Health Care and Social Assistance gained 700 jobs, and Accommodation and Food Services grew by 500 jobs. Conversely, the Government sector lost 1,300 jobs, primarily due to federal cuts. Wholesale Trade and Retail Trade saw declines of 1,300 and 1,100 jobs, respectively. Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services dropped 900 jobs, and Manufacturing lost 800 jobs.
Maryland’s federal workforce, critical to its economy, faces ongoing challenges. The state has responded with targeted support, including a public servants resource website offering centralized information for affected workers and their families. The Maryland Department of Labor’s dedicated webpage provides access to unemployment insurance, career guidance, and reemployment services through American Job Centers and the Professional Outplacement Assistance Center. These initiatives aim to mitigate the economic impact on displaced federal employees and contractors.
The slight uptick in the unemployment rate to 3.1 percent, from 3.0 percent in March, remains below the national rate of 4.2 percent, indicating relative labor market stability. The state’s focus on reemployment resources reflects its commitment to supporting residents amid federal policy shifts. Data for April, transferred from BLS servers to the Maryland Department of Labor’s website, may reflect a brief lag, with real-time figures available directly from BLS.
Maryland’s job growth in April highlights resilience in key private sectors, despite federal employment challenges. Continued support for displaced workers and monitoring of economic trends will be critical as the state navigates the broader impacts of federal policy changes.
