September 18th, 2020 by WCBC Radio
Maryland added 24,200 jobs in August, fueling a further decline in the state's unemployment rate, according to the latest numbers from the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics. WBAL reports the unemployment rate stands at 6.9%, more than 18% lower than the national rate of 8.4%. Since the height of the coronavirus outbreak, Maryland has regained 183,200 jobs. Gov. Larry Hogan said in a statement that Maryland benefited from being able to keep more businesses open over the course of the outbreak.
"Maryland truly is open for business, and our economy is getting back on track and making a steady recovery," Hogan said.
Maryland also gained more jobs in July than previously thought, after the preliminary jobs estimate was revised upwards from a gain of 53,900 jobs to a gain of 56,700 jobs.
The growth was led by the leisure and hospitality sector and the professional and business sector.
Nationally, August unemployment rates were lower in 41 states, higher in two states and stable in seven states and the District of Columbia. Maryland's unemployment rate is better than that of neighboring Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and the District of Columbia, but Virginia's 6.1% unemployment rate is slightly better than Maryland's.
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