January unemployment fell 0.2 percentage points to 8.3 percent, the lowest it’s been in three years.

Employment rose nationally by 243,000 jobs during the month, according to a White House press release.

In December, the unemployment rate was 8.5 percent. The annual unemployment rate for 2011 was 8.9 percent.

Manufacturing saw a job increase of 50,000, while healthcare added 31,000 jobs and leisure and hospitality sector 44,000. Food services and drinking increased by 33,000 jobs.