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

According to the preliminary survey data, the gain of 3,200 private sector jobs in Maryland was offset by job loss in the public sector for a net loss of 700 jobs in February. The unemployment rate decreased to 6.2% in February – 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 3,200 jobs from the Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services (2,600) and Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (600).

Other sectors that experienced growth include: Leisure and Hospitality (2,400); Education and Health Services (1,300); and Other Services (500).

Sectors that experienced declines include: Financial Activities (2,100 jobs); Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (900); Manufacturing (800); Information (200); and Mining, Logging, and Construction (200).

January’s preliminary jobs estimate was revised upwards by 3,100 jobs, from a gain of 6,800 to a gain of 9,900 jobs. Since the beginning of 2021, Maryland has gained a total of 9,200 jobs.