The state unemployment rate jumped to 5.4 percent in April — the highest level in almost three years — as the labor market continued to weaken amid the slowing economy.

Established businesses in the state shed 14,700 jobs last month, the N.C. Employment Security Commission reported this morning.

The most pronounced declines came in manufacturing; trade, transportation and utilities; and in leisure and hospitality services.

The self-employed and younger businesses made up for some of the decline, pushing total employment statewide in April up slightly. But it did not keep pace with increases in the labor force.

The state’s jobless rate rose from 5.2 percent in March and was above the U.S. rate for the third consecutive month. April’s rate was the highest since August 2005.