Press Release: 6/23/2025
Massachusetts Payroll Jobs Increase for 3rd Consecutive Month While Labor Force Grows Again
More than 14,000 jobs gained since February
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
6/20/2025
MEDIA CONTACT
Matthew Kitsos, Deputy Chief of Staff & Director of Communications
Online
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 May, with preliminary data indicating payroll jobs increased by 3,200, the number of employed residents grew, and the Massachusetts labor force and labor force participation rate also increased. Revised April estimates for payroll jobs increased by 8,100; revised April estimates for employed residents also increased. With an increase in labor force participation, the state unemployment rate also increased to 4.8 percent for the month of May. Preliminary data is based on survey data provided by the US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Among the 3,200 estimated preliminary payroll jobs added in May, the strongest job growth occurred in four BLS categories including 1) Leisure and Hospitality, 2) Financial Activities, 3) Construction, and 4) Education and Health Services. In addition to payroll data, BLS also reports preliminary data that indicates 3,500 more Massachusetts residents were employed in May for a total 3,766,800; employed residents data includes individuals who are self-employed (e.g. contractors, physicians, and drivers).
“It’s encouraging to see our labor force continue to grow with an additional 12,000 individuals this past month, driven partly by youth and young adults entering the labor market. With increased labor force participation, we need to ensure employers are able to access skilled talent while we also strengthen access for individuals in need of additional training, industry-recognized credentials, job coaching, and career readiness,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “For example, this week showcased Massachusetts as a global hub for the life sciences during the annual BIO International Convention—an opportunity to highlight the amazing careers and career pathways to help advance life saving solutions and support patient care. Massachusetts is home to incredible industry partners fostering a diverse, growing talent pool for the life sciences and we are committed to connecting skilled talent to growing companies and investing in career pathways for untapped talent wanting to launch a career in Massachusetts.”
In advance of the BIO International Convention, Secretary Jones joined Interim Secretary Ashley Stolba of Economic Development and Dr. Kirk Taylor of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center last week to announce $7.2 million to create over 650 training opportunities in the life sciences through the MLSC Pathmaker Program, an initiative of MassTalent.
In addition to this workforce training investment, the Healey-Driscoll Administration also recently announced key investments across industries and in support of growing Massachusetts’ workforce, including $20 million to businesses to train 18,000 Workers and add 1,200 jobs and $29.9 million in tax incentives through MLSC to create more than 1,500 jobs in the life sciences industry.
KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE MONTHLY JOBS AND EMPLOYMENT REPORT
The Massachusetts labor force grew by an estimated 12,200 individuals in the past month, bringing the estimated labor force to 3,956,500. The state’s labor force participation rate increased by 0.2 percentage point to 66.9 and reflects more residents aged 16 and older entering the workforce or actively seeking employment. The state’s preliminary unemployment rate in May is 4.8 percent. Additional takeaways include:
- Estimated payroll jobs increased in May by 3,200. The largest gains were in Leisure and Hospitality (+1,400 jobs), Financial Activities (+1,100), Construction (+1,000 jobs), Education and Health Services (+1,000 jobs). This follows April’s revised gain of 8,100 jobs.
- Estimated Employed Residents, which include self-employed individuals, increased in May by 3,500. This follows April’s revised gain of 1,300employed residents.
- The Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) increased by 0.2 percentage pointsand is 4.5 percentage points higher than the national average. Over the year, the labor force participation rate has increased by 0.6 percentage points.
- The Massachusetts unemployment rate increased by 0.2 percentage points to 4.8%.
“The national and state economies continue to face significant headwinds and this month’s job report highlights that. May data paints a positive picture with three strong months of payroll job growth, adding more than 14,000 jobs since February and continued growth in the labor force. With the growth in the labor force, we saw a slight increase in the unemployment rate,” said EOLWD’s Department of Economic Research Chief Economist Mark Rembert. “At the same time, we are paying close attention to economic and labor market trends, especially as employers examine their future hiring in the face of economic uncertainty and quickly changing economic policies on the national level.”
For a detailed overview of the BLS data, please visit mass.gov/economicresearchand May 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.
2025 Massachusetts Workforce Data Report & Dashboard
Access workforce demographic data collected from Massachusetts employers, including race/ethnicity, gender, job title, and industry. View key insights or read the full report, plus explore an interactive dashboard and download aggregate data.
Employer and Jobseeker Resources
Massachusetts employers and residents can visit MassTalent and create a free MassHire JobQuest account, for employers to search for talent and for jobseekers to access job openings and explore opportunities like Advanced Manufacturing, Life Sciences, Clean Energy, Technology, and Health and Human Services.
Employers looking to promote job openings, recruit for talent, or explore available job training programs to attract, retain, or develop their workforce can benefit from the menu of employer resources available through MassHire. Visit mass.gov/Workforce.
MassHire career centers and online services are available for jobseekers in between jobs, seeking a new opportunity, or aiming for career growth. MassHire’s comprehensive services include personalized career guidance, informative workshops, specialized training programs, valuable job referrals, expert resume assistance, and access to a wide array of job listings. Visit mass.gov/CareerCenters.
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 June is scheduled for released on July 18, 2025.