Maryland third in most lost jobs in nation

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Maryland lost 9,200 jobs in July — the third-largest drop in employment in the country for the month, according to preliminary figures released Monday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Though lower than the national unemployment rate of 7.4 percent, the state’s unemployment rate for July increased to 7.1 percent from 7.0 percent in June and 6.7 percent in May.

“Still, five out of seven months in 2013 have posted over-the-month job gains,” Maryland Labor Secretary Leonard J. Howie III said in a statement. “Despite a disappointing month, Maryland has made significant progress in jobs recovery this year.”

The July unemployment rate increased in 28 states and Washington, D.C, in July. New Jersey lost the most jobs (11,800), followed by Nevada, which lost 10,200. The rate decreased in eight states and was unchanged in 14.

Maryland’s public sector cut 4,300 jobs last month, and the private sector eliminated 4,900. Officials said the report reflects losses in summer education positions.

Some industries boosted hiring, however. Manufacturing led the way, adding 1,800 jobs last month, while the education/health care/social assistance sector gained 1,500.

There were 39,000 more jobs available in Maryland last month than in July 2012.

Nationally, hiring increased in 32 states in July compared with June, the fewest to report job gains in three months. Seventeen states reported job losses. California, Georgia and Florida reported the largest job gains. Hiring has been steady this year but slowed in July. Employers added 162,000 jobs, the fewest since March. The national unemployment rate of 7.4 percent was a 4.5 -year low, down from 7.6 percent in June.

Steve Cochrane, an economist at Moody’s Analytics, says Southern and Western states have seen steady growth in manufacturing jobs. And the South is also benefiting from lower taxes and cheaper labor.

“Some of the old, long-standing comparative advantages are re-emerging as drivers of growth,” he said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.