Washington’s economy gained 2,300 jobs in August compared to July’s revised gain of 5,900 jobs, Employment Security reported this week.

“The slower hiring in August tended to be broad-based with more industries shedding jobs than adding them,” said Paul Turek, economist for the department. “Coupled with the downward revision of July’s payroll numbers, today’s report shows weaker hiring since the start of the year.”

The August statewide unemployment rate of 4.6% remained unchanged from the prior month. The national unemployment rate was 3.8% in August.

Five industry sectors expanded in August while eight contracted including retail, which was down 800 jobs. Overall, the state added an estimated 65,200 jobs for the year ending in August for a state labor force of 3.9 million.