Even as the record-setting snowstorms resulted in slower hiring in several industries, a few sectors weathered the disruptions and added jobs, including professional scientific and technical services, which added 1,300 jobs, 0.6 percent increase. Health care and social assistance also made some gains, increasing by 800 jobs, or 0.2 percent, and accommodation and food services, which added 700 jobs, an increase of roughly 0.4 percent.
Maryland lost 13,800 nonfarm payroll jobs in February largely as a result of the severe snowstorms that disrupted the economy. During the month, Maryland's unemployment rate rose from 7.5 percent in January to 7.7 percent. The U.S. unemployment rate held steady at 9.7 percent.
Weather-sensitive sectors experienced the biggest declines including construction, which lost 8,000 jobs, a 5.4 percent decline, as well as arts, entertainment and recreation, which saw a 6 percent decline, losing 2,100, jobs. Job counts in these sectors will probably bounce back in March, a month likely to reflect more normal weather and labor market conditions.
Bad weather also disrupted the not seasonally adjusted jobs count. The state lost 65,500 jobs, a 2.6 percent loss, compared to 2.5 percent for the nation. Sectors that grew faster in Maryland than the rest of the nation include management, scientific and technical consulting, which added 4,500 jobs for 14.6 percent growth, health care/social assistance that added 4,100 jobs for 1.3 percent increase and computer systems design/support services, which gained 500 jobs for 0.8 percent growth.
Source: Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development
Writer: Walaika Haskins