Press Release  Massachusetts Gains Jobs, Labor Force Continues to Grow in September

Boston. MA — Today, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) released Massachusetts unemployment and job estimates for September 2026, with preliminary data indicating that payroll jobs increased by 3,500 for the month, following a revised decrease of 5,600 jobs in August. Massachusetts has added 16,300 payroll jobs, including 13,000 private sector jobs, since September 2025. Preliminary data also shows the September unemployment rate remained at 4.3% and the labor force participation rate increased to 65.4%.

BLS categories with the strongest growth month-over-month for Massachusetts employment in September includes 1) Financial Activities (+2,500), 2) Professional and Business Services (+2,400), and 3) Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+2,000).

“There were several positive labor market signals in September,” said EOLWD’s Department of Economic Research Chief Economist Mark Rembert. “Jobs grew, the unemployment rate remained stable, the labor force participation rate increased, and the labor force saw the largest monthly increase in more than 2 years.”

The Massachusetts labor force increased by 8,400 in September, with 7,800 more residents employed and 600 more unemployed. This includes individuals who have retired or left the workforce for other reasons and individuals who are self-employed and entrepreneurs. 

In recent weeks, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has announced or highlighted several investments tied to job creation, training, and workforce opportunities. Highlights include:

• Governor Healey announced $2 million in GROW grants to help registered apprenticeship intermediaries partner with employers to create and expand opportunities that connect Massachusetts residents with paid training and good-paying careers within high-demand industries, including automotive technology, banking, culinary arts, healthcare and social service, and manufacturing.
• Governor Healey announced $330 million for 403 local economic development and housing projects in 207 communities across Massachusetts through the Community One Stop for Growth. The awards will support more than 27,000 new homes, more than 13,000 permanent jobs, and more than 7 million square feet of new commercial development, while helping unlock an estimated $24.6 billion in private investment.
• Governor Healey announced nearly $40 million in tax incentives for 38 life sciences companies that are expected to create 1,644 new jobs across Massachusetts.
• Governor Healey announced that the Massachusetts Economic Assistance Coordinating Council (EACC) approved $11.5 million in tax credits for 10 business expansion projects expected to create 674 new jobs, retain 1,093 existing jobs and generate more than $339 million in private investment across Massachusetts.
• In September, Governor Healey announced $2.25 million in Re-entry Workforce Development Demonstration Program grants to 12 organizations that will provide job training, career support and employment opportunities to 445 formerly incarcerated individuals returning to their communities.

Key takeaways from the monthly jobs and employment report

• The Massachusetts unemployment rate remained at 4.3 percent in September. The national unemployment rate is at 4.2 percent.
• The state’s Labor Force Participation Rate increased to 65.4 percent. Massachusetts Labor Force Participation Rate is 3.6 percentage points higher than the national rate.
• The labor force increased by 8,400 in September, with 7,800 more residents employed and 600 more unemployed. This includes individuals who have retired or left the workforce for other reasons and individuals who are self-employed and entrepreneurs. The September increase in the labor force was the highest in more than 2 years.

For a detailed overview of the BLS data, please visit the Department of Economic Research website. October unemployment and job estimates are scheduled to be released on Friday, November 20, 2026.

Labor Market Quick Links 

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• Labor Market Information 101

MassHire Services

MassHireprovides free workforce services for both jobseekers and employers across Massachusetts. Jobseekers can explore job openings, attend hiring events, access training opportunities, and receive personalized support online or by visiting a MassHire Career Center. Employers can connect with Business Services Representatives to recruit their workforce and participate in job fairs to support hiring and business growth.

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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