California unemployment rate drops to 7.3% in September

California’s unemployment rate dropped to 7.3% in September -- the lowest in more than six years -- though the total number of jobs declined by 9,800 last month, according to state data.

The small one-month dip in state jobs comes after months of steady employment growth in the state. Since September 2013, California has added nearly 300,000 new jobs.

The unemployment rate at this time last year was 8.8%.

California’s jobless rate is still higher than the U.S. average, which fell to 5.9% in September.

For the month, the largest job gains came in construction, professional and business services, and trade, transportation and utilities, according to the data from the state Employment Development Department.

The construction industry has had the fastest job growth in the state over the last year.

Though statewide job growth in California fell in September, Los Angeles County added 27,900 jobs, bringing the county unemployment rate down from 8.1% to 8% last month.

Twitter: @c_kirkham