Texas Workforce Commission reports record-high despite decrease in jobs

AUSTIN, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — The Texas Workforce Commission reported that the seasonally adjusted civilian labor force achieved a new record high of 15,353,700 people after adding 41,900 people over the month in July, marking the seventh month of consecutive growth for Texas’ civilian labor force.

According to TWC officials, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 248,900 people over the year. TWC officials also noted data shows that from June to July unemployment across the state registered at 4.1% which is 0.2% under the national unemployment rate with Amarillo’s unemployment rate decreasing at 3.4% from 3.5% in June.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate is the number of unemployed as a percentage of the labor force, which is the sum of the employed and unemployed. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics said that, “people are classified as unemployed if they do not have a job, have actively looked for work in the prior 4 weeks, and are currently available for work,” are considered unemployed.

According to the TWC, Texas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment showed a decrease of 14,500 jobs – from 14,180,900 in June to 14,166,400 in July. Texas’ nonfarm job count grew by 265,500 positions since July 2023 and reflected a 1.9% annual growth rate, which outpaced the nation by 0.3%.

“Despite a slight decrease in the total number of jobs, the Texas civilian labor force continues to break records,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “There are still more than half a million job listings in the state, which create career opportunities for Texans.”

TWC stated that trade, transportation, and utilities added 7,300 jobs, financial activities added 2,500 jobs, and mining and logging added 1,300 jobs in July. TWC also stated construction showed a 4% growth with the addition of 900 jobs over the year which outpaced the industry’s national growth rate by a full percentage point.

“Texas is outperforming the national unemployment rate which signifies the strength of our labor market,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “TWC offers a wide array of resources to help job seekers take advantage of opportunities and propel their careers to the next level.”

TWC noted that the Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area had the lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 2.8% in June followed by Amarillo at 3.4% and the College Station-Bryan MSA at 3.76%. Officials also noted that the College Station-Bryan MSA ranked first in the nation for largest over-the-year percentage increase in nonfarm employment at 6% not seasonally adjusted.

“As career paths open in a variety of industries, the Texas Workforce Commission can help employers hire, train, and retain their future workforce,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza. “Initiatives like the Skills Development Fund provide Texas businesses the opportunity to administer customized training that best supports their needs.”

Those seeking more employment data are encouraged to visit the Texas Labor Market Infomation website.

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