Massachusetts Payroll Jobs Increase for Third Consecutive Month

BOSTON — The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) released Massachusetts unemployment and job estimates for May, with preliminary data indicating payroll jobs increased by 3,200, the number of employed residents grew, and the Massachusetts labor force and labor force participation rate also increased.

Revised April estimates for payroll jobs increased by 8,100, as did revised April estimates for employed residents. With an increase in labor force participation, the state unemployment rate also increased to 4.8% for the month of May. Preliminary data is based on survey data provided by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Among the 3,200 estimated preliminary payroll jobs added in May, the strongest job growth occurred in four BLS categories, including leisure and hospitality, financial activities, construction, and education and health services. In addition to payroll data, BLS also reported preliminary data indicating that 3,500 more Massachusetts residents were employed in May for a total 3,766,800; employed residents data includes individuals who are self-employed (such as contractors, physicians, and drivers).

“It’s encouraging to see our labor force continue to grow with an additional 12,000 individuals this past month, driven partly by youth and young adults entering the labor market. With increased labor force participation, we need to ensure employers are able to access skilled talent while we also strengthen access for individuals in need of additional training, industry-recognized credentials, job coaching, and career readiness,” Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones said.

“For example, this week showcased Massachusetts as a global hub for the life sciences during the annual BIO International Convention — an opportunity to highlight the amazing careers and career pathways to help advance lifesaving solutions and support patient care,” she added. “Massachusetts is home to incredible industry partners fostering a diverse, growing talent pool for the life sciences, and we are committed to connecting skilled talent to growing companies and investing in career pathways for untapped talent wanting to launch a career in Massachusetts.”