SALEM, Ore. -- State economists say Oregon lost an estimated 2,700 jobs in March, the first decline in six months.

That's in a labor force of more than 1.7 million people.

The monthly state report says manufacturing, trade, transportation and utilities shed nearly 3,000 jobs, while schools, health care and government added 2,400.

The report puts the jobless rate at 5.7 percent, or 123,131 people.

That rate is significantly higher than the lows of recent years: 5 percent in February, March and April of last year.