Massachusetts added 7,500 jobs in August, causing the unemployment rate to remain unchanged compared with July’s 7.2 percent rate, according to preliminary estimates from the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development released today.

Unemployment was up 0.4 percent from this time last year, when the rate was 6.8 percent.

The private sector added 6,700 jobs in August as education and health services, leisure and hospitality, manufacturing, construction, information and financial activities all posted increases, according to the agency.

The agency’s revised numbers for July show the state lost 300 jobs that month, despite initial estimates which suggested the state had gained 300 jobs. 

Massachusetts has gained 22,800 jobs since December 2012, and 45,100 jobs-43,500 of which were in the private sector-over the last 12 months.