Don’t necessarily bet on a corporate employer if you’re a new grad or other job seeker. Nearly all the Maryland sectors adding more jobs than they’re shedding are financed by the taxpayer, according to new government figures.

Private Maryland companies ditched 78,000 jobs during the 12 months ending in April while state, local and federal government added 6,000, says the U.S. Labor Department.

That’s the worst showing for both sectors in more than a decade, but at least government on the whole is hiring. Most growth is in federal jobs, as the Census Bureau gets ready for the 2010 head count, and in state-employed teachers.

Of the private employers that are hiring, many seek seasonal help for summer tourism. Even in that industry, helped by lower gas prices, total jobs should be lower than last year. And hospitals, clinics and social services employers are still adding positions.

Beyond that it’s a matter of finding the “least bad” sectors. Manufacturing, finance and construction are in the tank. Utilities, telecom and transportation services seem to be holding their own, but they’re vulnerable unless the economy starts improving.