Regional jobs data show broad-based growth

The regional data breaks out the national figures released a week ago. 

The South Atlantic — from Florida up the coast to Delaware — led the way with 37,000 new jobs. 

The West South Central, which includes Texas and Arkansas, created 26,000 jobs, while the Pacific region added 18,000.  

The Labor Department’s report on Friday showed an addition of 175,000 public and private jobs, including 178,000 in the private sector. The jobless rate rose to 7.6 percent as more people looked for work. 

Economists argue that the job market has a potentially bumpy ride ahead this summer through the end of the year but should start to pick up pace in early 2014.