Massachusetts is experiencing targeted layoffs in 2025. Overall job losses are down compared to 2024, but key industries are cutting workers.
Biopharma is one of the hardest-hit sectors. Between January and March, 17 biopharma companies in Massachusetts laid off about 410 workers. The layoffs stem from funding challenges, competition, and shifting company priorities.
Notable examples include:
- Intellia Therapeutics in Cambridge is cutting 27% of staff across 2025.
- Thermo Fisher Scientific held multiple rounds of layoffs in Cambridge, Lexington, and Plainville.
- Smaller biotech firms like Pyxis Oncology, Omega Therapeutics, Kojin Therapeutics, Generation Bio, Leap Therapeutics, and Vor Biopharma have also reduced headcount or shut down operations.
Despite the layoffs, Massachusetts remains a top global biotech hub. Many companies continue to hire and expand. The cuts reflect internal strategy changes, not industry collapse.
Retail is another major area of contraction.
- Nordstrom closed stores in Peabody and Braintree, laying off 300 people total.
- CVS Health in Wellesley cut 183 jobs, mostly remote roles linked to that office.
- Factory Motor Parts in Avon cut 67 jobs.
Transportation and logistics have seen large losses:
- G2 Secure Staff in Boston cut 528 workers in one round, and 65 in another.
- FedEx in West Boylston closed a facility, laying off 78 people.
- DHL in Taunton cut 52 jobs.
- Summit Delivery in East Taunton laid off 101 workers.
In manufacturing:
- Symbotic LLC in Andover cut 400 jobs.
- Diana’s Bakery in Agawam laid off 229 people across two locations.
- Kennametal in Greenfield, Newark Group in Fitchburg, Ariston Group in East Freetown, and Kovalus Separation Solutions in Boston all issued WARN notices for 50 to 100 workers.
Other notable layoffs:
- Feeney Brothers Excavation had multiple rounds across Boston, Worcester, and Lawrence.
- Charter Communications in Worcester laid off 174.
- Bard College at Simon’s Rock in Great Barrington cut 116 staff due to education funding pressures.
- Brockton Neighborhood Health Center laid off 65.
- Trilogy Management Services cut 107 workers across elder care and social service sites.
Despite these cuts, Massachusetts’ economy is still growing. The state added 7,700 jobs in April. Over the year, it gained 5,700 total jobs. Employment has grown 3.5% since early 2023, outpacing the national average.
WalletHub ranks Massachusetts as the top state economy in 2025. Strengths include tech, research, and innovation.
Still, challenges remain. The cost of living is high. Some businesses are reconsidering operations in the state due to taxes and overhead. Inflation in Boston exceeds national averages. The economic forecast predicts weak or negative growth in the second and third quarters.
The state is responding with policies focused on skills-based hiring, wage transparency, and workforce training. Governor Healey is pushing growth in artificial intelligence, climate technology, and life sciences.
In summary, Massachusetts is strong overall but restructuring key sectors. Biotech, retail, and logistics are downsizing. Public services and higher education are also under pressure. The state is working to balance job growth with affordability and economic competitiveness.