In September, Texas achieved remarkable milestones in its labor market, breaking records for job counts, employment numbers, and civilian labor force. According to data released by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), the Lone Star State saw total nonfarm employment surge by 61,400 positions during the month, marking the 24th consecutive series-high level with a total of 14,049,400 jobs and the 31st consecutive month of growth. Over the past year, Texas added 435,800 jobs, with an annual growth rate of 3.2 percent, surpassing the national average by 1.1 percentage points.
The number of employed individuals in Texas reached a new high of 14,515,800, reflecting a seasonally adjusted increase of 26,900 people. Additionally, the state's civilian labor force also reached a new record high, growing by 29,500 people to a total of 15,141,300. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for Texas remained steady at 4.1 percent in September.
Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Bryan Daniel expressed enthusiasm about the state's economic growth, saying, "The Texas economy continues to grow, exceeding 14 million jobs for the first time. TWC supports this continuous job growth through a number of programs designed to ensure the Texas workforce continues to meet the needs of Texas employers."
Across various industries, employment expanded in nine out of eleven major categories in September. Notably, Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added 15,200 jobs, while the Professional and Business Services sector gained 14,900 positions. Private Education and Health Services saw an increase of 13,800 jobs, and Manufacturing added 8,000 jobs to the state's workforce.
TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson emphasized the importance of Texas' business-friendly environment in fostering growth, stating, "Texas has achieved growth across all major private industries by fostering a business environment that enables Texas employers, large and small, to thrive, grow, and succeed. TWC has a number of programs and initiatives like Texas Interns Unite! and the Skills Development Fund that help companies upskill their workforce, create new jobs, and provide them with the support they need to bolster the Texas economy."
Unemployment rates in Texas metropolitan areas varied, with the Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) maintaining the lowest rate at 2.5 percent. Amarillo and College Station-Bryan followed with rates of 3.2 percent, while Lubbock had an unemployment rate of 3.3 percent. Odessa reported a rate of 3.4 percent, and Abilene stood at 3.5 percent. Austin-Round Rock and San Angelo matched the U.S. unemployment rate of 3.6 percent. In San Antonio-New Braunfels, the civilian labor force increased by 3,800 people, and employment grew by nearly 10,000 jobs in September. The Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land area added 14,300 jobs to its workforce, with a lower unemployment rate compared to the previous month.
TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III underlined the positive impact of a record-setting civilian labor force, saying, "The record-setting civilian labor force of 15.1 million people enhances the state’s economy. TWC strives to assist millions of Texans with in-demand, long-term careers as demonstrated by the increase of employed persons over the last several months."
Employment estimates released by TWC are produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
*All estimates are subject to revision. To access this and more employment data, visit TexasLMI.com.
