BALTIMORE — Maryland’s total nonfarm employment rose by 2,800 jobs in April, according to preliminary estimates released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state also revised its March job gain upward by 2,100 to 5,300 jobs.
Through the first four months of 2026, Maryland has added 11,700 jobs, growing roughly twice as fast as national trends despite continued federal government headwinds. The state’s unemployment rate edged up slightly to 4.4 percent in April, just above the national rate of 4.3 percent.
The six sectors showing the largest job gains in April were health care and social assistance (+1,400), administrative and support and waste management and remediation (+900), wholesale trade (+500), construction (+500), retail trade (+400), and government (+400 net, reflecting a 100-job federal decline offset by 500 state and local gains).
The four sectors with estimated losses were manufacturing (-1,000), other services (-700), professional, scientific, and technical services (-100), and management (-100).
Southern Maryland’s economy, anchored by Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties, stands to benefit from the statewide gains, particularly in health care, construction and government. The region’s hospitals and medical centers continue expanding services to meet growing demand from an aging population and new residents. Construction activity remains strong in the tri-county area as residential and commercial development progresses along the U.S. 301 corridor and near major defense installations.
Charles County, for example, has seen steady growth in health care employment tied to CalvertHealth Medical Center and supporting facilities. St. Mary’s and Calvert counties also benefit from proximity to Naval Support Facility Indian Head and other defense-related employers that drive indirect job creation in administrative, technical and logistics roles.
The Maryland Department of Labor noted that data is transferred directly from BLS servers and may have a brief lag on its website. For the most immediate access to April figures, residents can check the BLS website.
The state’s job growth comes as Southern Maryland continues to attract new residents and businesses drawn to its quality of life, relatively affordable housing compared to the Washington, D.C. metro core, and access to federal and defense-related opportunities. Local economic development officials in Charles County have highlighted the Western Charles County Technology Corridor as a key driver of future employment in advanced manufacturing and defense-support industries.
Despite the modest April increase, Maryland’s year-to-date performance outpaces many states facing slower recovery in certain sectors. Health care and social assistance remain a consistent bright spot statewide and locally, reflecting ongoing demand for medical services, long-term care and behavioral health programs in Southern Maryland communities.
Retail trade gains also support the region, where local shopping centers and small businesses in Prince Frederick, La Plata, Leonardtown and other hubs serve both residents and visitors. Construction employment remains important as infrastructure projects and residential development continue in Calvert and St. Mary’s counties.
Government employment changes reflect broader federal reductions offset by steady state and local hiring to maintain public services.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics data is based on employer surveys and is subject to future revisions. The Maryland Department of Labor will release its own analysis and local breakdowns in coming weeks.
Southern Maryland residents seeking employment opportunities can access resources through the Maryland Department of Labor’s workforce centers in Prince Frederick, La Plata and Leonardtown. Local job fairs and training programs continue to connect residents with growing sectors such as health care, advanced manufacturing and skilled trades.
The April report provides an early snapshot of 2026 economic conditions in Maryland. Continued monitoring will be important for Southern Maryland leaders as they plan for workforce development and economic strategies in the second half of the year.
