In 2007, the Maryland civilian labor force totaled 2,980,000 workers, representing an 8.3 percent increase over the past decade. Almost 90 percent of the state's workforce lives within the Central Maryland region. This growing labor force means that employers will find ample and available skilled workers to supply a broad range of industries
The Maryland workforce is highly industrious—over two-thirds of the state's population 16 years and older is in the labor force. During the next decade, Maryland's labor force is projected to increase by 364,520 (12.5 percent), with participation remaining high. The state boasts a large number of female workers, as well as workers in the experienced 25 to 44 year age group
The following table contains employment by occupation in Maryland for major occupational groups, according to the Standard Occupational Classification coding system.
Maryland Employment by Occupation
Major Occupational Group
Employment
Management Occupations
136,670
Business and Financial Operations Occupations
138,240
Computer and Mathematical Occupations
95,160
Architecture and Engineering Occupations
57,940
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
38,810
Community and Social Services Occupations
35,000
Legal Occupations
22,430
Education, Training and Library Occupations
170,890
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations
32,640
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
137,570
Healthcare Support Occupations
65,350
Protective Service Occupations
68,730
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
200,660
Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Occupations
The following table lists labor force, employment and unemployment rates for Maryland by county and region. Unemployment in the state tends to be highest in the more rural counties of far Eastern and Western Maryland, as well as Baltimore City. Counties in the highly developed corridor between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. typically experience the lowest rates of unemployment.
Labor Force, Employment and Unemployment in Maryland 2007 Annual Average by Place of Residence
