New Mexico's unemployment rate dropped to 6.5 percent in May, down from 6.8 percent the previous month and 6.9 percent a year ago.
The state Workforce Solutions Department said Friday that the state's economy lost 600 jobs over the year.
Over the year, the sector with the largest job gain was financial activities and retail trade sectors. They each have added 2,200 jobs since May 2013.
Education and health services added 1,500 jobs, mining gained 1,300 jobs, and the leisure and hospitality industries added 1,000 jobs.
Government employment registered a net loss of 2,500 jobs since May of last year.
The professional and business services industry lost 2,100 jobs.
Manufacturing shed 1,700 jobs in its 18th month of decline while construction employment fell by 1,500 jobs.
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