Payroll Jobs Increase for Third Consecutive Month, Unemployment Rate at 4.8%

BOSTON — The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) recently released Massachusetts unemployment and job estimates for December, with preliminary data indicating that payroll jobs increased by 4,600 in December, following a revised increase of 4,300 in November and 4,600 in October.

Since September, Massachusetts has gained 13,500 payroll jobs. Preliminary data also shows 9,300 fewer individuals were employed, including individuals in private and non-profit jobs, self-employed individuals and entrepreneurs, and individuals who may have retired or left the workforce for other reasons. Additionally, the unemployment rate (4.8%) increased slightly, and labor force participation rate (66.5%) decreased slightly. 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) categories with the strongest growth month over month for Massachusetts employment includes 1) Leisure and Hospitality (+5,700), 2) Private Education and Health Services (+1,000), and 3) Manufacturing (+700). 

“The labor market sent mixed signals in December; recent data has shown strong growth in payroll jobs over the past three months, while the unemployment rate ticked up slightly and the labor force declined,” said Mark Rembert, EOLWD’s Department of Economic Research chief economist. “These signals reflect the general trend we have observed for most of 2025 — a stable but slow-moving labor market. We’ll continue to monitor and analyze these trends and the challenges and opportunities for jobseekers and employers.”

 For a detailed overview of the BLS data, please visit mass.gov/economicresearch and December BLS Unemployment and Jobs Estimates.