Department of Numbers

Massachusetts Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Massachusetts fell 0.2 percentage points in March 2023 to 3.5%. The state unemployment rate was 0.0 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 13.4 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 3.5% in January 2023, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.0 percentage points. You can also see Massachusetts unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate March 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
National 3.5% -0.1 -0.1
Massachusetts 3.5% -0.2 -0.2

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

Unemployment Rate: Massachusetts, National

Massachusetts monthly unemployment rate chart from 1990 to March 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 453,802 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 132,399 in January 2023, the number of unemployed has now grown by 367. Massachusetts job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons March 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
Massachusetts 132,766 -4,374 -5,531

Number of Unemployed Persons

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

Massachusetts Unemployment History

Date National
Unemployment Rate
Massachusetts
Unemployment Rate
Massachusetts
Unemployed
April 2023 3.4%
March 2023 3.5% 3.5% 132,766
February 2023 3.6% 3.7% 137,140
January 2023 3.4% 3.5% 132,399
December 2022 3.5% 3.7% 136,827
November 2022 3.6% 3.7% 139,578
October 2022 3.7% 3.8% 141,226
September 2022 3.5% 3.7% 136,845
August 2022 3.7% 3.9% 145,049
July 2022 3.5% 3.7% 137,138
June 2022 3.6% 3.7% 140,063
May 2022 3.6% 3.7% 140,265