State jobless rate 7.4 percent

San Juan County’s unemployment rate was the second-lowest in Washington in September, the Employment Security Department reported.

San Juan’s unemployment rate was 2.9 percent. The lowest was Whitman on the Washington-Idaho border, 1.9 percent. Klickitat had the highest jobless rate, at 10.4 percent.

The rosy picture in Washington’s smaller counties didn’t overshadow the Evergreen State’s tough economy. Washington’s seasonally adjusted jobless rate rose two-tenths of a percentage point to 7.4 percent in September, higher than the nation’s 5.6 percent. The nation’s jobless rate declined by one-tenth of a percentage point, while Washington’s rose two-tenths of a percent.

“The September numbers point to a continuing soft labor market in Washington,” said Sylvia Mundy, Employment Security commissioner.

“The stabilizing national economic picture, including the falling national jobless rate, will have a cushioning effect on the Washington economy. We should nevertheless be prepared for a slower recovery in the state than at the national level.”

Washington’s nonagricultural wage and salary employment increased by 9,600 jobs over the month of September, a non-adjusted increase of 0.4 percent which is a normal seasonal occurrence. This is the first gain in employment since June 2002.

Job gains in government (+14,300) and services (+700) slightly outweighed the job losses in manufacturing (-3,100), construction (-1,200), wholesale and retail trade (-1,600), and finance, insurance and real estate (-200).

All of the increase in government employment occurred in local and state education.

The losses in manufacturing were widespread throughout durable goods, though the most notable loss was in aircraft and parts (-1,900). Preserved fruits and vegetables was the strong gainer among nondurable goods, with an increase of 900.

— For employment information and tips visit www.wa.gov/esd

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