Press Release: 5/19/2025
Massachusetts Payroll Jobs Increase By 7,700 and Labor Force Grows for the 4th Consecutive Month
Healey-Driscoll Administration launches new Apprenticeship Jobs Report; remains focused on creating employment outcomes
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
5/16/2025
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Matthew Kitsos, Deputy Chief of Staff & Director of Communications
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Email Matthew Kitsos, Deputy Chief of Staff & Director of Communications at matthew.kitsos2@mass.gov
BOSTON — Today, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) released Massachusetts unemployment and job estimates for April, with preliminary data indicating payroll jobs increased, the number of employed residents grew, and the Massachusetts labor force and labor force participation rate also increased. With an increase in labor force participation, the state unemployment rate also experienced an increase to 4.6 percent for the month of April. Preliminary data is based on survey data provided by the US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). EOLWD also launched a quarterly Apprenticeship Jobs Report, which showed that 781 apprentices were hired between January and April 2025, and announced this week key investments driven by industry demand to support workforce development.
BLS estimates show payroll jobs increased in April by 7,700, bringing total payroll employment to 3,724,800. The strongest job growth occurred in three BLS categories including 1) Trade, Transportation, and Utilities, 2) Construction, and 3) Education and Health Services. In addition to payroll data, BLS also reports preliminary data that indicates 1,100 more Massachusetts residents were employed in April compared to March, this data includes individuals who are self-employed (e.g. contractors, physicians, and drivers).
“As Massachusetts’ labor market continues to grow, the Healey-Driscoll Administration is focused on connecting jobseekers to training opportunities that will drive employment and connecting employers to skilled talent looking for their next career move,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “There are over 125,000 job openings with Massachusetts employers looking for talent in health care, education, and manufacturing and we are investing in pathways to reduce barriers to employment and spur job creation among employers looking for talent today.”
This week, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced key investments in the Massachusetts workforce, including $6.8 Million to train, upskill, and hire more than 1,100 workers in health care, life sciences, technology, construction, and other industries statewideand $22 million to hire over 6,500 youth and young adults for summer and year-round employment.
Additionally, EOLWD launched its first Apprentice Jobs Report to highlight job creation generated by the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s registered apprenticeship program, combining technical training and on-the-job training for employment in construction and expanded industries. For this inaugural quarterly report, the largest number of apprentice jobs were created in electrical and clean energy apprenticeships, followed by health care, refrigeration/HVAC, and plumbing; early education is also a growing apprenticeship role. In total, 781 new apprentices were registered from January to April 2025. Since the start of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, Massachusetts has added 8,799 new registered apprenticeship jobs. For more detailed information and to learn more about EOLWD’s registered apprenticeship program, visit mass.gov/apprenticeship.
KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE MONTHLY JOBS AND EMPLOYMENT REPORT
The Massachusetts labor force grew by an estimated 7,800 individuals in the past month, bringing the estimated labor force to 3,936,100. The state’s labor force participation rate increased by 0.1 percentage point to 66.7 and reflects more residents aged 16 and older entering the workforce or actively seeking employment. The state’s preliminary unemployment rate in April is 4.6 percent. Additional takeaways include:
- Estimated payroll jobs increased in April by 7,700. The largest gains were in Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+4,400 jobs), Construction (+1,200 jobs), Education and Health Services (+1,100 jobs). From April 2024 to April 2025, BLS estimates Massachusetts gained 5,700 payroll jobs.
- Estimated Employed Residents, which include self-employed individuals, increased in April by 1,100. From April 2024 to April 2025, BLS estimates that 23,700 more residents have gained employment.
- The Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) increased by 0.1 percentage points and is 4.1 percentage points higher than the national average. Over the year, the labor force participation rate has increased by 0.4 percentage points, with increased labor force participation among women being a key contributor to the growth.
- The Massachusetts unemployment rate increased by 0.2 percentagepoints to 4.6%.
“Despite economic headwinds, our job market remained stable in April with continued job growth and more people seeking work,” said Department of Economic Research Chief Economist Mark Rembert. “The unemployment rate edged up, but most significantly, we haven't seen an uptick in layoffs or new unemployment claims, meaning the uptick is being driven by more people entering the workforce and looking for work. We're paying close attention to economic and labor market trends to better understand areas of concern and potential opportunities.”
For a detailed overview of the BLS data, please visit mass.gov/economicresearch and April BLS Unemployment and Jobs Estimates.
Labor Market Quick Links
Massachusetts Labor Market Data
Find labor market information for Massachusetts, including employment and wage data, unemployment and labor force participation rates, projections, industry and occupational statistics and other workforce statistical information by different labor market areas.
Learn about the different types of labor market information (LMI) resources offered by the Department of Economic Research.
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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. The Unemployment and Jobs Report for May will be released on June 20, 2024.