BALTIMORE, MD — Maryland experienced a net job loss in March 2025, shedding 1,200 jobs overall, as steep declines in public sector employment outweighed moderate growth in the private sector, according to the latest estimates from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The state lost 3,500 public sector jobs last month, driven primarily by the elimination of 2,700 federal government positions. Meanwhile, Maryland added 2,300 private sector jobs, buoyed by gains in several industries including administrative services and professional and technical fields.

The job losses come amid a broader climate of federal cost-cutting and workforce reshuffling. The March figures do not account for more recent reductions in force, employees on administrative leave, individuals who accepted “buyout” offers and are still being paid, or federal employees who opted for deferred retirement. Additionally, ongoing trade tensions and tariffs may be influencing hiring decisions across sectors.

To respond to the growing number of displaced federal workers, Governor Wes Moore has announced new initiatives aimed at supporting those impacted by government job cuts.

“These include a public servants resource website, to serve as a central location for information and resources to assist impacted workers and their families.”

The site offers guidance on navigating unemployment benefits, healthcare coverage, and job search tools. It complements the Maryland Department of Labor resources webpage for federal employees and contractors, which has already drawn more than 50,000 web visitors seeking support.

“Additionally, the Maryland Department of Labor resources webpage for federal workers and contractors provides information on unemployment insurance benefits, career guidance, and reemployment support, accessed by more than 50,000 web visitors to date.”

Despite the public sector setbacks, several private industries showed signs of resilience. The Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services sector and the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector each added 2,000 jobs. The Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation sector gained 1,000 jobs, while Health Care and Social Assistance and Finance and Insurance added 600 and 400 jobs, respectively.

Still, declines were widespread across other areas of the economy. The Government sector led the losses with 3,500 jobs cut, followed by Private Educational Services (-500 jobs), Construction (-400 jobs), Information (-200 jobs), and Real Estate and Rental and Leasing (-200 jobs).

Despite the fluctuations in job numbers, Maryland’s unemployment rate held steady at 3.0 percent, signaling that overall labor force participation and hiring activity remain relatively stable for now.

As policymakers continue to monitor economic headwinds—ranging from federal restructuring to global trade challenges—the state’s labor market remains in a delicate balance between resilience in certain sectors and vulnerability in others.

Originally reported by Chris Montcalmo in Nottingham MD.