Unemployment in Maine remained at 3.1 percent in July, down slightly from earlier this year and roughly one percentage point below the national rate.
Maine’s workforce is also faring better than the rest of New England, where unemployment was 4.2 percent last month.
At the same time, however, labor force participation is declining both in Maine and nationwide.
Maine’s labor force participation rate was 58.8 percent in July. Nationally, the rate was 61.4 percent during the same period.
By county, Sagadahoc had the lowest unemployment rate, at 2.4 percent. Piscataquis County had the highest, at 4.6 percent.
This time last year, Cumberland was tied with Sagadahoc for the lowest unemployment rate, while Washington County had the highest, at 4.5 percent.
Mainers worked an average of 33.1 hours per week last month, earning $33.56 per hour. Wages are up 4.2 percent over July 2025.
Hourly earnings were about $4 lower in Maine than nationwide, but the year-over-year increase was greater in the state.
Construction employees had the longest average workweeks last month, while leisure and hospitality jobs had the shortest.
This industry was also the lowest paid, with an hourly rate of $25.14. However, this represents a 5.9 percent increase compared to July 2025.
Professional and business service workers had the highest hourly pay, at $37.73, up 4.3 percent from last year.
