BALTIMORE, MD—The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics on Tuesday released state jobs and unemployment data. According to the preliminary survey data, Maryland added 18,200 jobs and the unemployment rate increased to 7.2% in September.

In the last five months, Maryland has gained a total of 194,900 jobs, with 201,300 jobs gained in the private sector.

While private sector payrolls increased by 32,400 jobs in September, public sector payrolls decreased by 14,200 jobs. Nationwide, state and local governments lost 182,000 jobs from August to September.

The Leisure and Hospitality sector experienced the most growth with an increase of 15,700 jobs from the Accommodation and Food Services (13,500) and Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (2,200) subsectors. The Trade, Transportation, and Utilities sector increased by 7,000 jobs.

Other sectors that experienced growth include: Education and Health Services (3,100); Professional and Business Services (2,800); Manufacturing (1,900); Financial Activities (900); Information (700); and Mining, Logging, and Construction (600).

The Other Services sector decreased by 300 jobs.

“While our economy is open for business and our private sector is steadily recovering, we continue to see the effects of job losses in the public sector,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “Washington’s failure to provide stimulus relief for state and local governments is having a devastating impact.”