Construction’s unemployment rate dropped under 10% for the first time in more than four years, hitting 9.8% in June, as the industry added 13,000 jobs, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported.

Construction’s jobless rate was an improvement over May’s 10.8% and down sharply from the June 2012 level of 12.8%, according to the latest BLS monthly employment report, released on July 5.

The last time construction’s rate was less than 10% was in September 2008, when it stood at 9.9%. BLS unemployment rates are not adjusted for seasonal variations.

All construction sectors gained jobs in June, led by specialty trade contractors, which added 7,200. Heavy and civil engineering construction picked up 5,600.

The residential building segment, however, gained just 100 jobs last month, BLS reported.

Architectural and engineering services, which BLS categorizes separately from construction, posted an increase of 3,000 jobs in June. A-Es' employment also was up by 34,200 from the June 2012 level.

The overall June unemployment rate remained at 7.6%, the same as May’s level, as the economy added 195,000 jobs, BLS said. The national jobless rate last also was down from the June 2012 mark of 8.2%.