Massachusetts Unemployment
According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Massachusetts fell 0.7 percentage points in November 2020 to 6.7%. The state unemployment rate was 0.0 percentage points lower than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in Massachusetts peaked in June 2020 at 17.7% and is now 11.0 percentage points lower. You can also see Massachusetts unemployment compared to other states.
| Unemployment Rate | November 2020 | Month/Month | Year/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | 6.7% | -0.2 | +3.1 |
| Massachusetts | 6.7% | -0.7 | +3.9 |
Note: All comparisons are made with November data as December state level unemployment data has not yet been released.
Unemployment Rate: Massachusetts, National
Note: Recessions shown in gray
Massachusetts Unemployed
The number of people unemployed in Massachusetts peaked in June 2020 at 653,906. There are now 412,797 fewer people unemployed in the state. Massachusetts job growth data is also available.
| Unemployed Persons | November 2020 | Month/Month | Year/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 241,109 | -25,870 | +134,599 |
Number of Unemployed Persons
Massachusetts Unemployment History
| Date | National Unemployment Rate |
Massachusetts Unemployment Rate |
Massachusetts Unemployed |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 2020 | 6.7% | — | — |
| November 2020 | 6.7% | 6.7% | 241,109 |
| October 2020 | 6.9% | 7.4% | 266,979 |
| September 2020 | 7.8% | 9.8% | 368,925 |
| August 2020 | 8.4% | 11.4% | 403,441 |
| July 2020 | 10.2% | 16.2% | 594,255 |
| June 2020 | 11.1% | 17.7% | 653,906 |
| May 2020 | 13.3% | 16.6% | 586,460 |
| April 2020 | 14.8% | 16.2% | 552,934 |
| March 2020 | 4.4% | 2.8% | 106,920 |
| February 2020 | 3.5% | 2.8% | 106,572 |
| January 2020 | 3.5% | 2.8% | 106,249 |
Department of Numbers
The Department of Numbers contextualizes public data so that individuals can form independent opinions on everyday social and economic matters.
