Although Massachusetts employers added 3,500 jobs in May, the state’s unemployment rate rose to 6.6 percent, according to early estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released by the state.
The April jobless rate was 6.4 percent. Over the previous 12 months, the rate fell 0.1 percent.
The job gains were led by the trade, transportation and utilities sector, which added 2,000 jobs. The construction industry picked up 1,000 while financial activities and professional, scientific and businesses services each added 900. The education and health services sector picked up 800.
But four sectors lost jobs, according to the federal data, led by a drop of 1,200 positions in manufacturing and 900 in leisure and hospitality.
In the first five months of 2013, the state added 14,500 jobs, despite a loss of 3,300 jobs in April, according to the statement from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development.
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