Maryland Leads The Nation In Job Growth

Maryland Leads The Nation In Job Growth

Overall the nation has been seeing job growth.  Most states are seeing positive gains in jobs, and the few states which are not yet seeing gains have significantly slowed in job losses.

MD Adds Historic 35,800 Jobs; Leads Nation

Maryland added the most jobs in the country in March with 35,800, the highest monthly job gain for the state since 1970 and the second highest since records started in 1939.  Every major sector added jobs for the first time since 1996.  Some of March's gains represent a rebound from February's blizzards, however even non-weather sensitive sectors showed strong growth.  Maryland continues to outpace the nation in job growth, and it consistently remained at least 20% below the nation's unemployment rate.

Part of Maryland's strong March job growth represents a rebound from the effects of a record-setting season for snow, with weather-sensitive job sectors leading March growth.  Construction added 5,200 jobs, administrative and support services added 5,300 jobs, retail trade added 4,700 jobs, and accommodation and food services added 3,900 jobs.

However, all major sectors added jobs, including some that could be on the mend.  Manufacturing (500 jobs) added employment for only the third month in more than two years, as did wholesale trade with 1,700 jobs.  Financial services (2,400 jobs) added jobs for the second time since October 2008.  Among reliable growth sectors, health services added 3,300 jobs, or 1% monthly growth, and government added 4,600 jobs, or 0.9% monthly growth, of which 500 were federal jobs.