Texas Adds 171,800 Jobs Over the Past Year

Unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.4 percent

AUSTIN – Texas has added an estimated 171,800 seasonally adjusted jobs over the past year with the addition of 200 non-farm jobs in May. The state has added jobs in 13 of the last 14 months. Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.4 percent in May, which is below the national average of 4.7 percent.

“Texas Workforce Solutions continues to offer market aligned services to advance local job creation efforts,” said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Andres Alcantar. “We must continue to build and support partnerships that connect employers to workers efficiently and equip job seekers with skills that help them succeed.”

Employment increased in the Financial Activities industry by 4,800 jobs in May. Education and Health Services jobs continued to be in demand with the addition of 3,700 positions and having added jobs in 39 of the last 40 months. Over the year, this industry has gained 61,900 jobs.

“Connecting employers with the workforce they need is critical to our state’s success,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Ruth R. Hughs. “I encourage all of our employers to take advantage of the programs we offer through the Skills Development Fund to help them create jobs and train workers with the skills needed for today’s job market.”

The Amarillo Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) recorded the month’s lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a non-seasonally adjusted rate of 2.8 percent, followed by the Austin-Round Rock and Lubbock MSAs with rates of 2.9 and 3.1 percent, respectively, in May.

“Texas’ labor force is the backbone of the Texas economy. It is made up of hard-working individuals who are eager to obtain the skills that our employers need,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “For individuals who need assistance connecting with that perfect career opportunity, I encourage our labor force to tap into TWC’s training resources like our apprenticeship training program that can help prepare them for a good-paying career.”