Massachusetts lost 6,200 jobs in September and the unemployment rate remained at 3.6 percent, according to new data. The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported Friday morning that the state’s labor force, which has been viewed by economists as a potential drag on economic growth, continued to increase, rising by 16,100 people during September to a total of 3.82 million people.

The labor force has grown by 162,700 people since last September, a trend that economists believe may stem from more people moving to or commuting into Massachusetts from other states.

The biggest job losses last month were reported in the leisure and hospitality category, which was down 9,100 jobs over the month. Jobs in trade, transportation and utilities were up 1,600 in September and employers in the education and health services sector added 1,300 jobs.

Massachusetts employers have added 63,400 jobs over the past year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data.