Massachusetts Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Massachusetts fell 0.0 percentage points in May 2018 to 3.5%. The state unemployment rate was 0.3 percentage points lower than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in Massachusetts peaked in December 2009 at 8.8% and is now 5.3 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 3.5% in October 2017, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.0 percentage points. You can also see Massachusetts unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate	May 2018	Month/Month	Year/Year
National	3.8%	-0.1	-0.5
Massachusetts	3.5%	0.0	-0.3

Note: All comparisons are made with May data as June 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 January 2010 at 304,530. There are now 173,492 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 127,127 in January 2018, the number of unemployed has now grown by 3,911. Massachusetts job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons	May 2018	Month/Month	Year/Year
Massachusetts	131,038	+1,017	-9,420

Number of Unemployed Persons

Massachusetts Unemployment History

Date	National Unemployment Rate	Massachusetts Unemployment Rate	Massachusetts Unemployed
June 2018	4.0%	—	—
May 2018	3.8%	3.5%	131,038
April 2018	3.9%	3.5%	130,021
March 2018	4.1%	3.5%	128,752
February 2018	4.1%	3.5%	127,587
January 2018	4.1%	3.5%	127,127
December 2017	4.1%	3.5%	128,878
November 2017	4.1%	3.5%	128,589
October 2017	4.1%	3.5%	128,837
September 2017	4.2%	3.6%	130,787
August 2017	4.4%	3.6%	133,381
July 2017	4.3%	3.7%	136,115