BALTIMORE, MD—The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics released state jobs and unemployment data on Friday.

According to the preliminary survey data, Maryland added 68,300 jobs and the unemployment rate decreased to 8% in June.

Over the past months, Maryland has gained 96,700 jobs.

The Leisure and Hospitality sector experienced the most growth with an increase of 23,200 jobs. The Trade, Transportation, and Utilities sector increased by 14,900 jobs from the Retail Trade (10,100), Transportation, Warehousing, and Utilities (3,200), and Wholesale Trade (1,600) subsectors.

Other sectors that experienced growth include: Other Services (9,000); Education and Health Services (7,900); Mining, Logging, and Construction (5,700); Manufacturing (2,300); and Professional and Business Services (1,300).

The Financial Activities sector decreased by 1,200 jobs. This decrease was offset by an increase of 400 jobs from the Real Estate and Rental and Leasing subsector. The Information sector decreased by 400 jobs.

“According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, Maryland added 68,300 jobs in June, and the unemployment rate decreased to 8.0%—nearly 28% lower than the national unemployment rate and better than 32 other states,” said Governor Larry Hogan on Friday. “Our unemployment rate is also the lowest in the region.”

“In May and June, Maryland gained 96,700 jobs,” Hogan added. “Our economy is open, recovering, and doing better than many other states, but only the people of Maryland can keep our state open for business by continuing to follow public health guidance.”