Texas Adds 22,600 Jobs In March

AUSTIN ? Growth in the Texas economy continued in March, with 22,600 seasonally adjusted nonfarm positions added over the month. Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remains unchanged at 3.8 percent. March marked the 107th consecutive month of annual growth for total nonfarm employment. March also marks a historic moment for the Texas economy as the Civilian Labor Force reached a record high of over 14- million.

“Our labor force is the highest estimate since 1976, Texas’ economic miracle is a testament to the unmatched innovation of our Texas employers and their dedication to creating jobs and investing in communities across the state,” said TWC Chair Ruth Ruggero Hughs. “The Texas economy offers employers access to a competitive workforce and provides job seekers with career options in a variety of growing Texas industries.”

Private sector employers added 262,300 jobs over the year. Private annual employment growth was at 2.5 percent in March and has held above 2.0 percent since October 2017.

Leisure and Hospitality added 8,600 jobs over the month, the most among major industries in Texas. This major industry has seen 104 consecutive months of over-the-year growth since August 2010.

“Our labor force is thriving, in fact, this month reached 14 million, the highest estimate since 1976. Through a dedication to skills training and a focus on career options, Texas’ labor force remains one of the strongest in the nation,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “TWC is continually committed to developing innovative workforce programs and supporting Texas businesses with a skilled talent pipeline that is unmatched throughout the nation.”

Construction industry employment grew over the month by 5,100 jobs in March while the annual growth rate moved up four-tenths of a percentage point to 3.9 percent. The Education and Health Services industry also increased over the month with 6,500 jobs added.

The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) recorded March’s lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a non-seasonally adjusted rate of 2.1 percent, followed by the Odessa MSA which recorded at 2.5 for the second lowest rate. The Amarillo, Austin-Round Rock and College Station-Bryan MSAs tied for the third lowest rate of 2.7 percent.

“Year after year Texas ranks among the best places to work in the nation, not only because our economy continues to grow as companies covet our skilled workers but because of continuous investment in our economy,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Robert Thomas. “Today’s news shows that our strong Texas economy is creating new and larger opportunities for millions of workers all across our great state.”