Department of Numbers

Maine Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Maine rose 0.1 percentage points in October 2023 to 2.8%. The state unemployment rate was 1.1 percentage points lower than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in Maine peaked in May 2020 at 9.4% and is now 6.6 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 2.4% in April 2023, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.4 percentage points. You can also see Maine unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate October 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
National 3.9% +0.1 +0.2
Maine 2.8% +0.1 -0.3

Unemployment Rate: Maine, National

Maine monthly unemployment rate chart from 1990 to October 2023

Note: Recessions shown in gray

Maine Unemployed

The number of people unemployed in Maine peaked in May 2020 at 63,272. There are now 44,018 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 16,055 in June 2023, the number of unemployed has now grown by 3,199. Maine job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons October 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
Maine 19,254 +1,035 -1,655

Number of Unemployed Persons

Monthly chart of total unemployed in Maine from 1990 to October 2023

Maine Unemployment History

Date National
Unemployment Rate
Maine
Unemployment Rate
Maine
Unemployed
October 2023 3.9% 2.8% 19,254
September 2023 3.8% 2.7% 18,219
August 2023 3.8% 2.5% 17,148
July 2023 3.5% 2.4% 16,288
June 2023 3.6% 2.4% 16,055
May 2023 3.7% 2.4% 16,119
April 2023 3.4% 2.4% 16,518
March 2023 3.5% 2.6% 17,633
February 2023 3.6% 2.8% 18,841
January 2023 3.4% 2.9% 19,702
December 2022 3.5% 3.1% 20,517
November 2022 3.6% 3.1% 20,800