The state's unemployment rate rose to 6.7% in May, up from 6.6% in April, the Maryland Department of Economic And Employment Development reported this month.
The increase in the jobless rate was attributed to seasonal factors, especially the entry of students and other summer job seekers into the labor force.
Despite the increase in the unemployment rate, employment in Maryland rose for the third consecutive month, to 2.43 million. Large gains in trade, construction, and service industries led the way, the department said.
"While current job market indicators point to a slower than normal growth in seasonal employment, the consistency of the employment gains over the past few months reflects increasing economic confidence," the department said in announcing the figures.
