Massachusetts’ unemployment rate has decreased to 7 percent in December (down from 7.1 percent in November), according to the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. However, for the second consecutive month it remains higher than the national unemployment rate, which is now 6.7 percent.

Massachusetts added 10,300 jobs last month, bringing its annual total of jobs added to the economy to more than 55,000 and making 2013 its best year for job growth since 2000. Last month, the biggest job gains (4,700 jobs added) came in the professional, scientific and business services sector, which includes technology, scientific research and consulting firms. Trade, transportation, and utilities, which includes retailers, added 4,300 jobs last month. Leisure and hospitality, which includes hotels and restaurants, added 3,600 jobs in December. These figures could change when the US Labor Department releases its annual revisions of state employment and unemployment data in March.

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