Press Release

Press Release  Latest Seasonally Unadjusted Unemployment and Job Estimates for Local Labor Markets in Massachusetts for February 2023

For immediate release:
3/28/2023
  • Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development
  • Department of Economic Research

Media Contact   for Latest Seasonally Unadjusted Unemployment and Job Estimates for Local Labor Markets in Massachusetts for February 2023

Michele Campbell, Director of Communications

Seasonally Unadjusted Unemployment and Job Estimates for Local Labor Markets

Boston, MAMarch 28, 2023 - Local unemployment rates increased in nineteen labor market areas, decreased in two areas and remained unchanged in three labor market areas in the state during the month of February 2023 compared to January 2023, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported.

Compared to February 2022, the rates were down in twenty-one labor market areas, increased in one area and remained unchanged in two labor market areas.

Of the fifteen areas for which employment estimates are published, ten NECTA areas gained jobs compared to the previous month. The largest increases occurred in the Springfield MA-CT (+1.5%), Brockton-Bridgewater-Easton (+1.0%), and Pittsfield (+0.8%) areas.

From February 2022 to February 2023, fifteen areas gained jobs with the largest percentage increases seen in the Barnstable Town (+5.8%), Peabody-Salem-Beverly (+3.7%), and Springfield MA-CT (+3.4%) areas.

The statewide seasonally adjusted preliminary jobs estimate showed an increase of 3,000 jobs in February, and an over-the-year gain of 91,700 jobs.

In order to compare the statewide rate to local unemployment rates, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the statewide unadjusted unemployment rate for February 2023 was 4.2 percent, up one-tenth of a percentage point from the revised January 2023 estimate and three-tenths of a percentage point above the nation’s unadjusted unemployment rate of 3.9 percent.

Last week, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported the statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in the month of February 2023 was 3.7 percent, up two-tenths of a percentage point from the revised January 2023 estimate of 3.5 percent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the nation’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for February 2023 was 3.6 percent.

The unadjusted unemployment rates and job estimates for the labor market areas reflect seasonal fluctuations and therefore may show different levels and trends than the statewide seasonally adjusted estimates.

The estimates for labor force, unemployment rates, and jobs for Massachusetts are based on different statistical methodology specified by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

NOTES: The preliminary March 2023 and the revised February 2023 unemployment rates, labor force data and jobs estimates for Massachusetts will be released on Friday, April 21, 2023; local unemployment statistics for March 2023 will be released on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. Detailed labor market information is available at http://www.mass.gov/EconomicResearch. See the 2023 Media Advisory for complete list of release dates.

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Media Contact   for Latest Seasonally Unadjusted Unemployment and Job Estimates for Local Labor Markets in Massachusetts for February 2023

  • Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development  

    The mission of EOLWD is to create, operate and oversee effective and innovative statewide services to: protect worker rights, health, safety, wages and working conditions; insure against job-related injury; provide individuals and families with economic stability following job loss or injury and illness; level the playing field for responsible employers; develop a pipeline of skilled workers for current, emerging and future employers; and, maintain labor harmony between employees, employers, and labor unions.
  • Department of Economic Research  

    The Department of Economic Research (formerly the Labor Market Information Division) produces, analyzes, and distributes various data, labor market reports, and other resources related to employment, unemployment, occupations, industries, and other components of the Massachusetts labor market.
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