By AP/St. Louis Public Radio
Jefferson City, Mo. – Unemployment in Missouri held steady last month at 9.4 percent as the state gained a net 2,300 jobs.
The report from the Department of Economic Development also says February was the 12th straight month in which Missouri's jobless rate was lower than the national average. Unemployment nationwide remained at 9.7 percent last month.
In February Missouri gained 2,200 jobs in health care and social services, as well as 2,100 jobs in private education services.
Other sectors adding jobs included professional, scientific and technical services, arts and entertainment and temporary help.
The gains offset losses in construction, manufacturing, state and local government and food services.