Maine Employment and Education

The employment outlook continues to improve across the state. In 2003 and 2004, 10,000 jobs were added each year. The unemployment rate is very consistent, remaining at 4.8% for 2005 and 2006. Earnings have also increased, up 1.9% from 2003 to 2004.

Education standards remain high across the state. There are 684 schools statewide. The state spends $9,638 per student on education yearly. In 2004, 69% of schools met the new criteria for educational standards set forth by the No Child Left behind Act. The graduation rate has also increased. In 2000, it was at 85.4%, up from 79.8% in 1990.