U.S. State Employment Gains in May 2026

In May 2026 the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a net increase of 172,000 nonfarm jobs nationwide. Payroll growth was recorded in 38 states, while 12 states and the District of Columbia saw declines. Texas (+17,800), North Carolina (+17,400) and New York (+13,700) led state-level gains, whereas Virginia posted the largest monthly loss of 8,000 jobs. Construction employment added a net 17,000 jobs, with Texas again ahead (+18,700) and California suffering the biggest drop (‑13,100).

Maryland’s labor market added 5,100 jobs, driven chiefly by accommodation and food services (2,700 jobs) and health care and social assistance (2,000 jobs). The state’s unemployment rate held at 4.4%, just above the national 4.3% rate, despite ongoing federal workforce reductions that have affected other parts of the region. The District of Columbia recorded the highest state unemployment rate at 6.1% due to those federal cuts, while South Dakota posted the lowest at 2.1%.

Overall, the May data show a broadly positive employment trend across most states, with construction and service sectors contributing significantly, even as a handful of states experience notable job losses.