The total unemployment rate in May was 7.6 percent, down from 7.8 percent in April, according to a new report.

The preliminary May job estimates show 3.2 million jobs in Massachusetts, a decrease of 4,000 jobs. Government lost 2,600 jobs and the private sector lost 1,400.

Jobs are up 27,500 (0.9 percent) year-to-date, with private sector jobs up 44,800 (1.6 percent). Year-to-date, 31,000 jobs have been added in the commonwealth, with 39,200 in private sector jobs.

At 7.6 percent, the Massachusetts unemployment rate is the lowest it has been since February 2009, and remains below the 9.1 percent national rate. In May, the decrease in those unemployed generated a decline in the unemployment rate, continuing the downward trend in the unemployment rate for the last four months.