BOSTON (AP) - The Massachusetts unemployment rate held steady at
9.5 percent in February.

The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported
Thursday there was a net jobs increase of 1,500, with private
sector jobs up 3,000 in total. For the year to date, private sector
jobs are up 3,600.

The largest increases have been in the areas of education and
health services as well as the trade, transportation and utilities
category.

Job losses were recorded in the leisure and hospitality and
financial activities sectors, among others.

Overall, the bureau estimates the Massachusetts labor force was
3.48 million in February, an increase of 6,000 from January.

The estimate includes 3.15 million employed in February - up
4,400 from January - and 331,000 unemployed.

That's an increase of 1,700 from January.