Press Release  Unemployment Rate at 4.8%; Labor Force Participation Rate Decreases In February

BOSTON — Today, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) released Massachusetts unemployment and job estimates for February 2026, with preliminary data indicating that payroll jobs decreased by 7,200 for the month, following a revised increase of 2,000 jobs in January. Prior to February, Massachusetts had added payroll jobs for 4 consecutive months. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a decrease of 133,000 jobs nationally in February. Preliminary data also shows the February unemployment rate increased slightly to 4.8%, from a revised January rate of 4.7%, and labor force participation rate decreased slightly to 66% from a revised January rate of 66.2%.

Unemployment and job estimates for March will be released May 1, 2026, with April data scheduled for May 22, 2026.

BLS categories with the strongest growth month-over-month for Massachusetts employment in February includes 1) Information (+500), 2) Financial Services (+400), and 3) Construction (+200) gained jobs

“The data released today tells us less about what’s happening now, and more about what was happening a few months ago,” said EOLWD’s Department of Economic Research Chief Economist Mark Rembert. “The preliminary data for Massachusetts from February follows the national data, which saw a decrease of 133,000 jobs and an increase in the unemployment rate during that time. While we continue to monitor economic and labor trends, we are seeing some positives, including that, in the past six months, Massachusetts has outpaced the U.S. in job growth, and we are seeing steadily increasing job postings.”

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:

• On Thursday, Governor Healey filed the Mass Wins Act, an economic development bill that positions Massachusetts as a global destination for companies looking to invest, grow and create jobs in the United States, while strengthening the state’s competitiveness and lowering costs for businesses.
• Governor Healey joined GE Aerospace to celebrate their $42 million investment in its Lynn manufacturing facility, which is strengthening Massachusetts’ defense industry, supporting local jobs and advancing the state’s leadership in advanced manufacturing. 
• Earlier this week, Governor Healey joined Stockholm-based Lovable to help open its Boston headquarters. Lovable will hire dozens of staff, including engineers.
• Also this week, the government of Spain launched a new $200 million venture capital fund targeting Massachusetts.
• The Healey-Driscoll Administration recently announced nearly $14.4 Million for Youth Jobs to hire 3,786 youth and young adults for summer and year-round jobs through the state’s YouthWorks program.

Key takeaways from the monthly jobs and employment report

• The Massachusetts unemployment rate in February increased slightly to 4.8% percent. The national unemployment rate is 4.4%.
• The state’s labor force participation rate decreased slightly to 66% from a revised January rate of 66.2%.
• The labor force decreased in February by 11,400 with 11,300 fewer people employed and 100 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 February 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 canpost 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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