Department of Numbers

Massachusetts Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Massachusetts rose 0.2 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 Massachusetts peaked in April 2020 at 16.9% and is now 14.1 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 2.5% in July 2023, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.3 percentage points. You can also see Massachusetts unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate October 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
National 3.9% +0.1 +0.2
Massachusetts 2.8% +0.2 -1.0

Note: All comparisons are made with October data as November state level unemployment data has not yet been released.

Unemployment Rate: Massachusetts, National

Massachusetts monthly unemployment rate chart from 1990 to October 2023

Note: Recessions shown in gray

Massachusetts Unemployed

The number of people unemployed in Massachusetts peaked in April 2020 at 586,568. There are now 483,841 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 91,874 in July 2023, the number of unemployed has now grown by 10,853. Massachusetts job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons October 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
Massachusetts 102,727 +6,192 -38,499

Number of Unemployed Persons

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

Massachusetts Unemployment History

Date National
Unemployment Rate
Massachusetts
Unemployment Rate
Massachusetts
Unemployed
November 2023 3.7%
October 2023 3.9% 2.8% 102,727
September 2023 3.8% 2.6% 96,535
August 2023 3.8% 2.6% 98,262
July 2023 3.5% 2.5% 91,874
June 2023 3.6% 2.6% 96,017
May 2023 3.7% 2.8% 105,553
April 2023 3.4% 3.1% 114,775
March 2023 3.5% 3.5% 132,353
February 2023 3.6% 3.7% 137,140
January 2023 3.4% 3.5% 132,399
December 2022 3.5% 3.7% 136,827