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 gained 4,600 jobs in December, with the decrease of 3,100 jobs in the public sector being offset by an increase of 7,700 jobs in the private sector.

The unemployment rate decreased to 6.3% in December – the lowest level since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Maryland has regained a total of 250,700 jobs, with 262,600 jobs gained in the private sector. The state has recovered 65% of total jobs and 70% of private sector jobs during its recovery.

The Professional and Business Services sector experienced the most growth with an increase of 6,300 jobs from the Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services (3,800), Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (2,200), and Management of Companies and Enterprises (300) sectors.

The Trade, Transportation, and Utilities sector also experienced growth with an increase of 4,700 jobs. Other sectors that experienced growth include: Mining, Logging, and Construction (3,000); Education and Health Services (2,200); and Manufacturing (1,000).

Sectors that experienced declines include: Leisure and Hospitality (8,500); Financial Activities (400); Other Services (400); and Information (200).

November’s preliminary jobs estimate was revised upward by 400 jobs, from a gain of 24,100 jobs to a gain of 24,500 jobs.