ST. PAUL  — Minnesota employers added 6,800 jobs in July, the second month in a row that the state gained jobs.

The Department of Employment and Economic Development says despite the job gains, July unemployment climbed slightly to 5.8 percent, from 5.6 percent a month earlier.

Spokesman Kyle Uphoff says the number of people seeking work outstripped the number of new jobs created.

Minnesota’s unemployment remains well below the national rate of 8.3 percent.

Minnesota has added 11,000 jobs in the past two months. That compares to a net gain of 200 jobs from February to May.

Large areas of job growth in July were government, trade and transportation, professional and business services, manufacturing, education and health services and financial activities.

The biggest job losses occurred in leisure and hospitality, and construction.