The Massachusetts unemployment rate dipped slightly in January, from 7.1 percent to 6.8 percent, though the state’s economy lost 4,500 jobs that month and the unemployment rate remains higher than the national average rate of 6.6 percent.

According to the state Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, Massachusetts’ trade, transportation and utilities sector lost the most jobs in January (6,700), while jobs were also lost in the government; professional, scientific and business services; and manufacturing sectors.

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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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The Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development has released unemployment data from September and October which show that the State’s unemployment rate remains at 7.2 percent, despite dipping slightly in September and the addition of 9,100 jobs in October.

Nationally, the unemployment rate is 7.3 percent for October. Massachusetts is among 11 states to show increased unemployment numbers. Unemployment rates decreased in 28 states last month.

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Massachusetts’ unemployment rate remains at its highest level in two years, while the number of jobless workers has grown to 250,000. According to the state Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, in August there were 250,000 unemployed workers in Massachusetts and the unemployment rate remained at 7.2 percent, its highest level in nearly two years. Nationally, the unemployment rate has been decreasing; at 7.3 percent, it is still slightly higher than Massachusetts’ unemployment rate.

Despite adding jobs to the local economy, Massachusetts’ unemployment rate climbed to 7 percent in June, its highest level since November 2011. According to the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, Massachusetts’ unemployment rate rose to 7 percent from 6.6 percent in May. The state added 2,800 jobs in June, as well as 6,700 jobs in May.

Nationally, the unemployment rate is 7.6 percent.