The unemployment rate in Massachusetts fell to 4.5 percent in February, well below the national average, as the economy added 13,300 jobs last month, according to the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development.

The dip from 4.7 percent unemployment in January came as the Bureau of Labor Statistics also revised upward its job estimates for January to show a 1,200 job gain, rather than the previously reported 2,500 job loss.

“Massachusetts continues to add jobs, and the labor force showed positive gains with 14,100 more residents employed and 7,400 fewer residents unemployed over of the month,” Labor Secretary Ron Walker said in a statement.

Despite an increase in the labor force of 6,700 residents last month, the total labor force was 18,900 residents smaller than this time last year with 5,700 fewer residents employed and 24,600 fewer residents unemployed.

Education and health services and professional, scientific and business services posted the strongest February gains with 4,000 or more jobs added in both categories, while the manufacturing sector lost 200 jobs and information lost 400 jobs.

The national unemployment rate is 4.9 percent.

State Jobless Rate Dips Two Ticks To 4.5 Percent

by State House News Service time to read: 1 min
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