Press Release  Massachusetts Gains 6,800 Jobs in March; Unemployment Rate Drops to 4.7%

Boston — Today, 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, 2026.

BLS categories with the strongest growth month-over-month for Massachusetts employment in March includes 1) Professional and Business Services (+3,400), 2) Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+2,400), and 3) Private Education and Health Services (+2,000) gained jobs.

“Over the past six months, the labor market has experienced a period of job growth across most sectors,” said EOLWD’s Department of Economic Research Chief Economist Mark Rembert. “Sectors including Healthcare and Human Assistance, Manufacturing, Construction, and Transportation and Warehousing have all added jobs over that period.”

In recent weeks, the Healey-Driscoll has announced or highlighted several investments by employers choosing to do business, relocate, or expand in Massachusetts—all tied to examples of job creation and workforce opportunities. Highlights include:

• Governor Healey recently announced $12.8 million in Community Investment Tax Credits (CITC) to 52 Community Development Corporations and Support Organizations across Massachusetts. These awards will support local nonprofit organizations as they advance affordable housing development and preservation, strengthen neighborhood-based programs, and expand economic opportunity in communities across the state.
• This week, the Healey-Driscoll Administration released data highlighting the success of the expanded Registered Apprenticeship Tax Credit, which Governor Healey expanded eligibility for as part of the administration’s historic 2023 tax cuts. For 2025, the Division of Apprentice Standards (DAS) approved $988,800 in registered apprenticeship tax credits to 50 employers who hired 206 apprentices, more than double the number in previous years. Employers used the tax credit to hire apprentices in growing industries like clean energy, health care, and education.
• Also this week, as part of Massachusetts Apprenticeship Week, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $1.4 million in Grants for Registered Apprenticeship Opportunities in Workforce (GROW) grants to five organizations to train and place 256 apprentices in early childhood education careers across Massachusetts.
• This week, the Healey-Driscoll Administration also announced more than $70 million in Career Technical Education (CTE) program capital grants to 28 high schools and career technical schools across Massachusetts. This multi-year investment will significantly expand access to hands-on learning opportunities and help meet the growing demand for career-connected education statewide. 

Key takeaways from the monthly jobs and employment report

• The Massachusetts unemployment rate in March decreased to 4.7% percent. The national unemployment rate is 4.3%.
• The state’s labor force participation rate decreased slightly to 65.8% from a revised February rate of 66%. Retirement has been the primary driver for the decline in the Labor Force Participation Rate, while the Labor Force Participation Rate for workers 25-54 is 86.5%, its highest level in 10 years.
• The labor force decreased in March by 15,000 with 12,300 fewer people employed and 2,700 fewer unemployed. This includes individuals who have retired or left the workforce for other reasons and individuals who are self-employed and entrepreneurs.

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

Labor Market Quick Links

• Mass.gov/UnemploymentRates
• Unemployment and Labor Force Data
• Employment Information by Industry
  • Employment Information by Occupation
  • Labor Market Information 101

MassHire Career Services Quick Links

MassHire Department of Career Services offers:

• Online services like MassHire JobQuest to help jobseekers search for a new job, training, and workshops.
• Access to local hiring events where jobseekers can meet employers ready to hire.
• In-person services available at MassHire career center near you

Business Services Quick Links 

MassHire Business Services Representatives are available in person across Massachusetts to help employers recruit and grow their workforce. Employers working with MassHire can post job openings on MassHire JobQuest, connect with jobseekers at specialized job fairs, and access a range of workforce resources.

Note: The unemployment rate is based on a household survey, while job estimates come from an employer survey. Because these surveys are separate, the two statistics may show different trends from month to month. 

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