Seasonal layoffs at stores, bars and restaurants pushed Snohomish County’s jobless rate up half a percentage point in February to 5.7 percent, the state Employment Security Department reported Tuesday.

Statewide, the unemployment rate was 6.4 percent in February, an increase of two-tenths of a percentage point.

“In February, the Snohomish County economy continued to struggle along,” said Donna Thompson, a labor economist for the department.

Thompson said the economy is still well ahead of where it was a year ago. In February 2004, unemployment was 6.7 percent and there were 8,600 fewer jobs.

Last month, she said, job gains in manufacturing and real estate were offset by seasonal cutbacks after the holidays at retail stores and elsewhere.

Manufacturing added 500 jobs, including 300 positions at the Boeing Co. and other aerospace firms. Jobs in metal fabrication and transportation equipment also rose in February.

“Strong housing sales continued to bolster jobs in the real estate, rental and leasing sector, which rose by 200,” Thompson said. “The employment services sector also added 300, mostly in temporary help agencies.”

Rises in temporary help are a good sign since companies often hire temporary workers when business picks up and then hire for permanent positions if orders continue.

Manpower, a national temporary help agency, said a recent survey of employers served by its offices in Everett and Lynnwood shows they expect to hire at a modest pace this spring.

About one-fourth of employers plan to hire more workers between April and June, according to the survey. About 57 percent expect to maintain staffing levels, and 10 percent plan to reduce employees.

The Manpower survey indicates that job prospects are best in wholesale and retail trade, education and public administration, durable goods manufacturing and transportation-public utilities. Construction and services are expected to remain unchanged.

Herald writer Mike Benbow: 425-339-3459 or benbow@heraldnet.com.