Latest Seasonally Unadjusted Unemployment and Job Estimates for Local Labor Markets in Massachusetts for January 2026
Summary
The Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development released January 2026 local unemployment and job estimates showing unemployment rates increased in all twelve labor market areas compared to December 2025, with eleven of twelve areas showing year-over-year increases. All seven published MSA and Metropolitan Division areas lost jobs month-over-month, with Barnstable Town (-3.7%), Amherst Town-Northampton (-3.5%), and Boston Metropolitan Division (-2.1%) showing the largest percentage decreases. The statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.7%, with the unadjusted rate at 5.2% versus the national unadjusted rate of 4.6%.
What changed
Massachusetts local unemployment rates increased across all twelve labor market areas in January 2026 compared to the prior month, with rates up in eleven of twelve areas compared to January 2025. Employment estimates showed job losses in all seven published MSA and Metropolitan Division areas on a month-over-month basis, with the largest percentage declines in Barnstable Town (-3.7%), Amherst Town-Northampton (-3.5%), and Boston Metropolitan Division (-2.1%). Year-over-year job losses occurred in three areas, with Pittsfield (-1.2%), Cambridge-Newton-Framingham (-1.2%), and Boston Metropolitan Division (-1.1%) showing the largest decreases. The statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 4.7% while the unadjusted rate was 5.2%, 0.6 percentage points above the national unadjusted rate of 4.6%.\n\nFor employers, workforce planners, and economic analysts, these statistics provide benchmark data for regional labor market assessment. The data reflects typical seasonal fluctuations in employment patterns and may show different trends than seasonally adjusted figures. Updated employment and unemployment figures for February 2026 and revised January 2026 data will be published on April 17, 2026, with local area statistics following on April 21, 2026, allowing stakeholders to track whether the January trends continue or reverse.
What to do next
- Monitor for updates on preliminary February 2026 and revised January 2026 data releases on April 17, 2026
- Monitor local unemployment statistics release on April 21, 2026
- Review linked labor market data at mass.gov/EconomicResearch for detailed area comparisons
Archived snapshot
Apr 7, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
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News Latest Seasonally Unadjusted Unemployment and Job Estimates for Local Labor Markets in Massachusetts for January 2026
4/07/2026
- Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development
- Department of Economic Research
Media Contact
Matthew Kitsos, Deputy Chief of Staff & Director of Communications
Online
Email Matthew Kitsos, Deputy Chief of Staff & Director of Communications at eolwdpress@mass.gov
BOSTON — Local unemployment rates increased in all twelve labor market areas in the state during the month of January 2026 compared to December 2025, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported. Compared to January 2025, rates were up in eleven of twelve labor market areas.
Of the five MSA areas and two Metropolitan Divisions for which employment estimates are published, all seven areas lost jobs compared to the previous month.
The largest percentage decreases occurred in the Barnstable Town, MA (-3.7%), Amherst Town-Northampton, MA (-3.5%), and Boston, MA Metropolitan Division (-2.1%) areas.
From January 2025 to January 2026, three areas lost jobs with the largest percentage decreases seen in the Pittsfield, MA(-1.2%), Cambridge-Newton-Framingham, MA Metropolitan Division (-1.2%), and Boston, MA Metropolitan Division (-1.1%) areas.
The statewide seasonally adjusted preliminary jobs estimate showed an increase of 3,700 jobs in January, and an over-the-year loss of 13,600 jobs.
In order to compare the statewide rate to local unemployment rates, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the statewide unadjusted unemployment rate for January 2026 was 5.2%, 0.6 percentage points above the nation’s unadjusted unemployment rate of 4.6%.
Last week, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported the statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in the month of January 2026 was 4.7%, equal to the revised December 2025 estimate.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the nation’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for January 2026 was 4.3%.
The unadjusted unemployment rates and job estimates for the labor market areas reflect seasonal fluctuations and therefore may show different levels and trends than the statewide seasonally adjusted estimates.
The estimates for labor force, unemployment rates, and jobs for Massachusetts are based on different statistical methodologies specified by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Note: The preliminary February 2026 and revised January 2026 unemployment rates, labor force data and jobs estimate for Massachusetts will be released on Friday, April 17, 2026; local unemployment statistics will be released on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. Detailed labor market information is available at mass.gov/EconomicResearch . See the 2026 Media Advisory for complete list of release dates.
- Monthly Unemployment area comparisons
- Monthly Employment area comparisons
- Most recent month Unemployment all MA cities and towns
- Statewide Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment
- Statewide Seasonally Adjusted Employment
- Statewide Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment
- Statewide Not Seasonally Adjusted Employment
- Labor Force and Unemployment Data
- Current Employment Statistics Data This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration.
Media Contact
Matthew Kitsos, Deputy Chief of Staff & Director of Communications
+
Online
Email Matthew Kitsos, Deputy Chief of Staff & Director of Communications at eolwdpress@mass.gov
Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development
The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development builds a skilled workforce, connects talent to opportunity, supports those facing job loss or injury, and ensures safe workplaces.
Department of Economic Research
The Department of Economic Research (DER) produces and distributes various data, research, analysis, and additional resources to state and regional policymakers, workforce development agencies, and others interested in better understanding the Massachusetts labor market.
Media Contact
Matthew Kitsos, Deputy Chief of Staff & Director of Communications
Online
Email Matthew Kitsos, Deputy Chief of Staff & Director of Communications at eolwdpress@mass.gov
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