California's lackluster recovery continues as unemployment rate dips below 12%

The state has added 144,400 jobs over the year.

Still, the job creation pales in comparison to national figures released earlier this month that showed the country added 244,000 positions in April. States such as New York, Texas and Pennsylvania accounted for much of that gain.

"The pistons in the engine are beginning to gradually power up and the economy is slowly gaining strength and momentum," said Sung Won Sohn, an economist at Cal State Channel Islands. "But we are lagging the nation in terms of job growth."