Washington’s economy picked up some steam in January, adding an estimated 12,400 jobs – the first monthly gain since November 2008.

“This is a positive sign for Washington state,” Gov. Chris Gregoire said. “We have implemented several strategies to create jobs, and it’s paying off. There is more we can and should do – that’s why I continue to work with leaders at both the state and federal levels to develop additional proposals that will put people to work.”

The state unemployment rate remained relatively flat, inching up to an estimated 9.3 percent from December’s revised rate of 9.2 percent. December’s rate was earlier estimated at 9.5 percent, but was revised downward after more analysis.

The largest number of seasonally adjusted job gains occurred in the following industries: retail trade, up 3,000; educational and health services, up 2,800; construction, up 2,700; leisure and hospitality, up 1,600; professional and business services, up 1,000; manufacturing, up 1,000; information, up 900; wholesale trade, up 800; and aerospace and parts manufacturing, up 600.

Industries that shed jobs in January included transportation, warehousing and utilities, down 900, and other services, down 800.

“It’s encouraging to see jobs finally coming back,” said Employment Security Commissioner Karen Lee. “I hope it signals the beginning of a job-full recovery, not a job-less recovery.”