BOSTON – The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) released Massachusetts unemployment and job estimates for May, with preliminary data indicating that payroll jobs decreased by 2,900 for the month, following a revised increase of 7,400 jobs in April.

Massachusetts has added more than 17,600 payroll jobs, including 14,100 private sector jobs, since September. Preliminary data also shows the May unemployment rate dropped to 4.5%, and labor force participation rate decreased slightly to 65.4%.

BLS categories with the strongest growth month-over-month for Massachusetts employment in May include government; education and health services; trade, transportation, and utilities; and information.

“The unemployment rate fell this month to its lowest level since last August,” said Mark Rembert, chief economist with EOLWD’s Department of Economic Research. “At the same time, we continue to see shifts in the labor force as more older workers retire. Combined with elevated job posting activity, these trends suggest the labor market could continue to tighten through the summer.”

BOSTON — The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) released Massachusetts unemployment and job estimates for April, with preliminary data indicating that payroll jobs increased by 8,500 for the month, following a revised increase of 7,200 jobs in March.

Massachusetts has added more than 21,600 payroll jobs, including 19,600 private sector jobs, since September, and has outpaced the country over the past six months. Preliminary data also shows the April unemployment rate remained at 4.7%, and labor force participation rate decreased slightly to 65.6%. May unemployment and job estimates are scheduled to be released on June 22.

BLS categories with the strongest growth month-over-month for Massachusetts employment in April include construction, private education and health services, and professional and business services.

“The recent period of employment expansion continued in April, outpacing the rest of the country, with most sectors gaining jobs,” said Mark Rembert, chief economist for EOLWD’s Department of Economic Research. “Job posting activity remains strong across sectors, with encouraging signals that the Commonwealth’s high-tech industries are seeking more workers as well.”

BOSTON — The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) released Massachusetts unemployment and job estimates for March 2026, with preliminary data indicating that payroll jobs increased by 6,800 for the month.

Over the past six months, Massachusetts has added 12,700 payroll jobs, including 12,200 private sector jobs and has experienced more broad-based job growth than most other states in that time. Preliminary data also shows the March unemployment rate decreased slightly to 4.7%, from a revised February rate of 4.8%, and labor force participation rate decreased slightly to 65.8% from a revised February rate of 66%. April unemployment and job estimates are scheduled to be released on May 22.

BLS categories with the strongest growth month-over-month for Massachusetts employment in March include professional and business services; trade, transportation, and utilities; and private education and health services.

“Over the past six months, the labor market has experienced a period of job growth across most sectors,” said Mark Rembert, chief economist for EOLWD’s Department of Economic Research. “Sectors including healthcare and human assistance, manufacturing, construction, and transportation and warehousing have all added jobs over that period.”

BOSTON — The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) released Massachusetts unemployment and job estimates for January, with preliminary data indicating payroll jobs increased by 3,700 for the month, the latest available data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Since October, BLS data indicates Massachusetts has consecutively added payroll jobs, totaling 14,700 payroll jobs during this period. Preliminary data also shows the January unemployment rate at 4.7% and labor force participation rate at 66.2%.

Unemployment and job estimates for February will be released April 17, with March data scheduled for May 1.

BLS categories with the strongest growth month-over-month for Massachusetts employment in January include private education and health services, leisure and hospitality, and manufacturing.

“The preliminary estimates suggest that Massachusetts is experiencing a period of strong job growth that began in October, with the state adding 14,700 jobs in that time,” said Mark Rembert, chief economist in EOLWD’s Department of Economic Research. “While the unemployment rate remained steady in January, we have been monitoring economic signals and trends, particularly at the national level, that continue to present challenges — and potential opportunities — in the labor market for job seekers and employers.”

BOSTON — The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) released Massachusetts unemployment and job estimates for November, with preliminary data indicating that payroll jobs increased by 2,400 in November, following an increase of 4,600 in October.

Preliminary data shows 6,200 fewer individuals were employed, including individuals in private and nonprofit jobs, self-employed individuals and entrepreneurs, and individuals who may have retired or left the workforce for other reasons. Additionally, the unemployment rate (4.7%) remained unchanged, while the labor force participation rate (66.6%) decreased slightly. The national unemployment rate increased to 4.6%.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) categories with the strongest growth month over month for Massachusetts employment include professional and business services, financial activities, and manufacturing. December unemployment and job estimates will be released on Jan. 23.

“The labor market remains slow but stable. We are seeing low hiring rates, but we are also seeing low unemployment claims through November,” said Mark Rembert, chief economist for EOLWD’s Department of Economic Research. “This suggests that, while businesses are cautious about adding new roles or backfilling due to attrition, they are reluctant to let go of the workers they currently have.”

BOSTON — The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) released Massachusetts unemployment and job estimates for September, with data indicating 1,200 fewer Massachusetts residents were employed, including individuals in private and nonprofit jobs plus self-employed individuals and entrepreneurs, while payroll jobs decreased by 11,100. Additionally, the unemployment rate (4.7%) and labor force participation rate (66.8%) both decreased. The labor force decreased in September as well by 2,700 for a total of approximately 3,961,000.

October state employment and unemployment news releases will not be published due to the recent federal government shutdown. November unemployment and job estimates have not been scheduled by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Despite a net loss in payroll jobs in September, there was some positive growth in BLS categories, including leisure and hospitality, information, and financial activities. In addition to payroll data, BLS also reports data indicating that 1,200 fewer Massachusetts residents were employed in September and 20,000 more were employed over the year. Unlike payroll data, employed residents data includes individuals who are self-employed (such as contractors, physicians, and drivers) and is not captured in payroll job data.

“The data released today tells us less about what’s happening now and more about what was happening a few months ago,” said Mark Rembert, chief economist for EOLWD’s Department of Economic Research. “The good news is that the key labor market indicators that we do have for October and November have been stable. Seasonally adjusted initial unemployment insurance claims remain relatively flat, and job posting activity has been steady.”

BOSTON — The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) released Massachusetts unemployment and job estimates for August, with preliminary data indicating 3,600 more Massachusetts residents gained employment, which includes individuals in private and nonprofit jobs plus self-employed individuals and entrepreneurs, while payroll jobs decreased by 3,800. This follows a revised increase of 2,100 payroll jobs in July.

Additionally, 2,100 individuals in August entered the Massachusetts labor force for a total of approximately 3,963,700. The labor force participation rate (66.9%) and unemployment rate (4.8%) remained unchanged. Preliminary data is based on survey data provided by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Despite a net loss in payroll jobs this month, there was some positive growth in BLS categories, including professional, scientific, and business services; trade, transportation, and utilities; and other services. In addition to payroll data, BLS also reports preliminary data that indicates 3,600 more Massachusetts residents were employed in August and 22,300 more over the year. Employed residents’ data includes individuals who are self-employed (e.g. contractors, physicians, and drivers) and is not captured in payroll job data.

“While this latest report offers a sign of somewhat stability amid economic uncertainty, the Healey-Driscoll administration remains focused on the people within our workforce — impacted workers seeking unemployment benefits, unemployed and underemployed individuals ready to access the job market and training opportunities, and employers eager to find skilled workers or to collaborate with training providers to attract, retain, and develop talent in Massachusetts,” Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones said.

Mark Rembert, chief economist in EOLWD’s Department of Economic Research, added that “the good news this month is that the Massachusetts labor market shows signs of continued stability, even as the national economic picture worsens. Yet, it’s a complex and delicate stability. The unemployment rate is stable but remains elevated for some workers, particularly young workers. Employment is stable, but job growth has slowed, nationally and in Massachusetts. Job postings remain stable, but the hiring outlook is uncertain. This combination continues to create a challenging environment for job seekers.”

BOSTON — The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) released Massachusetts unemployment and job estimates for July, with preliminary data indicating 2,700 more Massachusetts residents gained employment, which includes individuals in private and nonprofit jobs plus self-employed individuals and entrepreneurs, while payroll jobs decreased by 600.

Additionally, while more individuals entered the Massachusetts labor force in July, the labor force participation rate and unemployment rate remained unchanged. Preliminary data is based on survey data provided by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Despite a net loss in payroll jobs this month, there was positive growth in some BLS categories, including education and health services, construction, and other services.

In addition to payroll data, BLS also reported preliminary data indicating that 2,700 more Massachusetts residents were employed in July for a total 3,959,400; employed residents data includes individuals who are self-employed (such as contractors, physicians, and drivers) and is not captured in payroll job data.

“As Massachusetts and the country navigates these uncertain economic times, it is encouraging to see stability in our state’s unemployment rate combined with some job growth in a few industries, based on preliminary data,” Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones said. “Unemployment and jobs data help to shape workforce policy and planning, especially as the Healey-Driscoll administration and our partners collaborate through intentional strategies to connect more unemployed and underemployed job seekers to career opportunities expressed by employers eager to attract Massachusetts’ untapped talent.”

Added Mark Rembert, chief economist in EOLWD’s Department of Economic Research, “the labor market data for July showed mixed signals, but the underlying narrative points to gradual slowdown in the labor market. On one hand, fewer residents filed for unemployment benefits in July. On the other, the data suggests that it is taking longer for those looking for work to land a new position. However, the healthcare and social assistance and construction sectors are bright spots, together adding more than 10,000 jobs over the past three months.”

BOSTON — The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) released Massachusetts unemployment and job estimates for June, with preliminary data indicating 1,100 more Massachusetts residents gained employment, which includes individuals in private and nonprofit jobs plus self-employed individuals and entrepreneurs, while payroll jobs decreased by 1,900.

Additionally, while more individuals entered the Massachusetts labor force in June, the labor force participation rate and unemployment rate remained unchanged. Preliminary data is based on survey data provided by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Payroll jobs did experience growth in some BLS categories, including education and health services; construction; and trade, transportation, and utilities. In addition to payroll data, BLS also reported preliminary data indicating 1,100 more Massachusetts residents were employed in June for a total 3,767,900 employed residents; this data includes individuals who are self-employed (such as contractors, physicians, and drivers) and are not captured in payroll job data.

“As more Massachusetts residents enter the labor force, it is vital that we continue to make investments in job training, reduce barriers to employment, and connect untapped talent to local career opportunities,” Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones said. “We are encouraged that data shows job postings remain stable — and growing for some industries — and our administration is dedicated to helping employers build their workforce right here in Massachusetts.”

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.”

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

With an increase in labor force participation, the state unemployment rate also experienced an increase to 4.6% for the month of April. Preliminary data is based on survey data provided by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). EOLWD also launched a quarterly Apprenticeship Jobs Report, which showed that 781 apprentices were hired between January and April 2025.

BLS estimates show payroll jobs increased in April by 7,700, bringing total payroll employment to 3,724,800. The strongest job growth occurred in three bls categories: trade, transportation, and utilities; construction; and education and health services. In addition to payroll data, BLS also reported preliminary data indicating 1,100 more Massachusetts residents were employed in April compared to March; this data includes individuals who are self-employed (such as contractors, physicians, and drivers).

“As Massachusetts’ labor market continues to grow, the Healey-Driscoll administration is focused on connecting job seekers to training opportunities that will drive employment and connecting employers to skilled talent looking for their next career move,” Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones said. “There are over 125,000 job openings with Massachusetts employers looking for talent in healthcare, education, and manufacturing, and we are investing in pathways to reduce barriers to employment and spur job creation among employers looking for talent today.”

BOSTON — State Sen. Adam Gomez recently joined the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) in announcing grant awards of $275,000 for the Hampden County Workforce Board and $128,239 for the MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board.

“Whether for trades, tech, healthcare, or finance, apprenticeships give people the opportunity to earn money while learning highly specialized skills,” Gomez said. “Although some apprenticeships can offer course credits for college, a higher education is not necessarily the path to success for everyone, so I am pleased to see these apprenticeship programs will serve as a viable alternative for Hampden County residents seeking jobs.”

These apprenticeship expansion and opportunity grants will support various healthcare apprenticeships in Western Mass., serving 55 apprentices for the Hampden County Workforce Board and covering operating costs for existing grants and 10 additional healthcare apprentices for the MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board. As part of EOLWD, the Division of Apprentice Standards administers this initiative to expand registered apprenticeships to priority industries, diversify the existing apprenticeship workforce, and enhance apprenticeship programs in Massachusetts as part of the Commonwealth’s apprenticeship expansion plan.

BOSTON — The Baker-Polito administration announced $800,000 in workplace-safety grants awarded to 99 Massachusetts-based and operating employers, which will help prevent workplace injuries by training 1,356 employees.

On behalf of the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, the Department of Industrial Accidents Office of Safety is responsible for administering and managing the workplace-safety grant program, budgeted at $800,000 annually. The program’s goal is to promote safe and healthy conditions in the workplace through training, education, and other preventive instruction for employees and employers, as well as organizations operating within the Commonwealth and covered by Massachusetts workers’ compensation law.

This latest round of workplace-safety grants (FY 2023) includes awardees representing historically underserved communities, veterans, women-owned businesses, municipalities, small businesses, and startups. The most common topics from the proposals included compliance, such as OSHA 10-hour and 30-hour training; and prevention-based training, such as defensive driving, hoisting, first aid and CPR, and ergonomics. Click here to see the full list of 99 grant recipients.

“Keeping the Commonwealth’s workforce safe is important to both employees and employers as well as the greater community,” said Rosalin Acosta, secretary of Labor and Workforce Development. “These safety grants will provide training and education that helps promote safe and healthy conditions in the workplace. I congratulate all awardees and appreciate their commitment to their employees’ well-being.”

BOSTON — The state Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development’s Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA) is now accepting Workplace Safety and Education Grant submissions. Applications are due Friday, Sept. 30.

Training programs that have been funded in the past often include OHSA 10 or 30, aerial lift, fall protection, crane and rigger, forklift, ergonomics, CPR/AED, injury prevention, fire/electrical, asbestos, defensive and winter driving, lead hazards, toxins and hazards communication, trenching excavation, confined space rescue, and more. Applicants are also encouraged to develop new training specific to the needs of their workforce.

“Safety Grants represent an $800,000 annual investment in the safety of the Commonwealth’s workforce,” Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Rosalin Acosta said. “I encourage companies to take advantage of this opportunity to provide their employees with the knowledge they need to help create a healthier and safer workplace.”

DIA’s Office of Safety is responsible for administering and managing the Workplace Safety Training and Education Grant program. The goal of the program is to promote safe and healthy conditions in the workplace through training, education, and other preventive programs for employees and employers, as well as organizations operating within the Commonwealth and covered by Massachusetts workers’ compensation law.

To date, DIA has funded hundreds of programs that have benefited and educated thousands of workers and employers throughout the Commonwealth. A total of $800,000 is budgeted annually for the Workplace Safety and Education Grant program.

Grants are awarded to qualified applicants through a competitive selection process. Applications can be submitted to DIA’s Office of Safety seeking up to a maximum of $25,000 per entity, per fiscal year. Interested employers can email [email protected] to receive an application package. Visit mass.gov/dia to learn more.