New Jersey added 14,900 jobs in September as the state's unemployment rate fell to 4.2%, according to preliminary figures released Thursday by the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

The increase brought total nonfarm employment to approximately 4.38 million jobs. The unemployment rate declined from 4.3% in August and matched the national rate of 4.2%.

Six of the state's nine private industry sectors added jobs in September, led by education and health services, which gained 7,200 positions, and professional and business services, which added 7,100.

Leisure and hospitality added 5,500 jobs. Manufacturing and other services each gained 1,000, while construction added 500.

The largest losses came in trade, transportation and utilities, which shed 5,100 jobs. Information lost 1,100 jobs, financial activities lost 100 and government employment declined by 1,100.

The Labor Department also revised its August figures, changing an initially reported loss of 1,700 jobs to a gain of 1,200.

Monthly employment estimates are routinely revised as additional survey information becomes available, according to the Labor Department.

Despite September's increase, New Jersey had added just 3,600 jobs over the previous 12 months, including a gain of 6,900 private-sector jobs.

Education and health services led year-over-year growth with 30,000 additional jobs, while trade, transportation and utilities recorded the largest decline, losing 11,200.

New Jersey's labor force participation rate stood at 63.7% in September, according to the state's monthly employment highlights. The figure represents the share of the civilian population age 16 and older that is working or actively looking for work.

The September figures are preliminary and subject to revision. The next state employment report, covering October, is scheduled for Nov. 19.