California jobless rate unchanged at 8.1 percent

California’s unemployment rate held steady at 8.1 percent in March while nearly 12,000 jobs were created.

The state Employment Development Department also reported Friday that it had revised its February jobless rate to 8.1 percent, up slightly from the previously reported 8 percent.

California’s jobless rate in March was down from 9.2 percent a year ago but remains above the national rate of 6.7 percent.

The 11,800 nonfarm payroll jobs created in March means the state has gained 1.2 million jobs since the economic recovery began in 2010. The information sector led the way with 7,000 new jobs.

Other sectors showing gains were: mining and logging; construction; trade, transportation and utilities; professional and business services; educational and health services; and government.

More than 1.5 million Californians remain unemployed.