Press Release  Payroll Jobs Increase Again in January, Unemployment Rate at 4.7%

BOSTON — Today, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) released Massachusetts unemployment and job estimates for January 2026, with preliminary data indicating that payroll jobs increased by 3,700 for the month, the latest available data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Since October 2025, 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, 2026, with March data scheduled for May 1, 2026.

BLS categories with the strongest growth month-over-month for Massachusetts employment in January includes 1) Private Education and Health Services (+3,100), 2) Leisure and Hospitality (+2,000), and 3) Manufacturing (+1,100).

“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 EOLWD’s Department of Economic Research Chief Economist Mark Rembert. “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.”

In recent weeks, the Healey-Driscoll Administration 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:

• Recently, Boston-based WHOOP announced a major hiring expansion that will add more than 600 new jobs, which will primarily be based at their headquarters in Boston. Governor Healey celebrated that announcement.
• JPMorganChase recently announced that it will relocate to the South Station Tower in Boston and add hundreds of new jobs.
• Governor Healey highlighted a wave of recent business expansions and investments across Massachusetts during her address to the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, including:
• P&G Gillette establishing its Grooming Headquarters and Technical Innovation Center in South Boston, representing a $1 billion investment.
• GE Aerospace announcing a $42 million investment in its Lynn facility to upgrade sites producing defense engines and components, strengthening the U.S. defense industrial base.
• VulcanForms, a metal additive manufacturing company founded at MIT, recently secured $220 million in financing and plans to open a third factory in Devens, adding more than 100 new jobs.
• Governor Healey announced a new statewide partnership with Grow with Google to offer all Massachusetts residents access to artificial intelligence and career certificate training programs at no cost through Grow with Google program.

Key takeaways from the monthly jobs and employment report

• The Massachusetts unemployment rate in January was steady at 4.7% percent. The national unemployment rate is 4.3%.
• The state’s labor force participation rate was at 66.2 percent.
• The labor force decreased in January by 8,900 and 11,200 fewer people were employed. 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 January 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 employersrecruit 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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