Press Release  Massachusetts’ Strong Job Growth Continues as State Gains 8,500 Jobs in April; Unemployment Rate Remains at 4.7%

BOSTON — Today, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) released Massachusetts unemployment and job estimates for April 2026, 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 6 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 Monday, June 22, 2026.

BLS categories with the strongest growth month-over-month for Massachusetts employment in March includes 1) Construction (+3,100), 2) Private Education and Health Services (+1,900), and 3) Professional and Business Services (+1,400) gained jobs.

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

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

• Recently, the Healey-Driscoll Administration celebrated the Northeast Microelectronics Coalition’s (NEMC) $22 million award to continue its work supporting the regional microelectronics sector and accelerating critical microelectronics innovation. 
• This week, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced the approval of 41 new Innovation Career Pathways (ICP) programs across 36 high schools in 31 districts, continuing the administration’s efforts to connect Massachusetts students to high-demand careers and strengthen the state’s innovation economy.

Key takeaways from the monthly jobs and employment report

• The Massachusetts unemployment rate in April remained at 4.7% percent. The national unemployment rate is 4.3%.
• The state’s labor force participation rate decreased slightly to 65.6%. Retirement continues to be a primary driver for the decline in the Labor Force Participation Rate, while the Labor Force Participation Rate for workers 25-54 is 86.7%, its highest level in 10 years.
• The labor force decreased in April by 11,700 with 9,600 fewer people employed and 2,200 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 April 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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