Massachusetts was one of only 14 states to record a drop in its unemployment rate in May as the Bay State’s jobless rate fell to 6 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The federal government said 18 states reported rate increases while another 18 reported no change. However, over the last year, unemployment rates in 49 states and the District of Columbia have dropped, helping lower the national jobless rate from 9 percent in May 2011 to 8.2 percent.
The Bay State jobless rate ranked as the 11th lowest in the U.S. in May. Nevada has the highest, at 11.6 percent, and North Dakota the lowest, at 3 percent.
Massachusetts gained 7,500 jobs in May, mostly in professional and business services, which picked up 6,000 new jobs. Trade, transportation and utilities added 2,700. However, three sectors had notable job losses: construction (1,700), government (1,300) and leisure and hospitality (1,100).
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