BALTIMORE, MD—The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics  on Monday released state jobs and unemployment data. According to the preliminary survey data, Maryland gained 6,800 jobs in January and the unemployment rate decreased to 6.4% – the lowest level since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Professional and Business Services sector experienced the most growth with an increase of 3,100 jobs from the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (1,700), Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services (1,300), and Management of Companies and Enterprises (100) sectors.

Other sectors that experienced growth include: Financial Activities (1,700); Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (1,300); and Other Services (1,000).

Sectors that experienced declines include: Leisure and Hospitality (3,400); Manufacturing (900); Mining, Logging, and Construction (900); and Education and Health Services (600).