Texas Ends 2014 with Another Month of Job Growth

Unemployment rate falls to 4.6 percent in December, lowest since May 2008

Texas employers added jobs in impressive fashion in 2014 with the increase of 457,900 seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs over the year. December was the fifth straight month of record-breaking annual job growth for the Lone Star State. Over the month, the state gained 45,700 jobs, marking 51 straight months of employment growth.

In addition, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 4.6 percent in December down from 4.9 percent in November, and down from 6.0 percent a year ago. This was the lowest Texas unemployment rate since May 2008.

“Texas finished 2014 on a positive note adding 457,900 jobs over the year, its fifth straight month of record- setting annual job growth,” said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Andres Alcantar. “Every major industry added jobs over the year, benefiting from a strong business climate and a growing, competitive and high quality Texas workforce.”

Seven of 11 major industries saw an increase in jobs in Texas in December. Those increases included 14,800 positions in Professional and Business Services, 6,800 jobs in Education and Health Services and 5,100 Construction jobs added.

“The state’s steady job growth is great news for Texas workers,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. “We continue to work with our local Workforce Solutions partners to strive for an environment where there is a good-paying job for every Texan who wants one. Many great opportunities can be found on WorkInTexas.com. We encourage employers and job seekers to use this valuable resource.”

Mining and Logging employment rebounded in December, adding 4,900 jobs after a loss of 2,400 positions in November. This was the second largest monthly gain for the year for the industry, which saw an 11.5 percent annual growth rate over the year with the addition of 33,900 positions. Job gains were also seen in the Trade, Transportation, and Utilities industry with 5,900 positions added in December.

“Texas’ private-sector employers added 420,200 jobs over the year,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Hope Andrade. “This growth continues to position our state as one of the best places in the world to live, work and do business.”

The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the lowest December unemployment rate in the state at

2.1 percent. The Odessa MSA came in second at 2.6 percent and the Amarillo MSA ranked third at 2.9 percent (not seasonally adjusted).

Audio downloads from Commissioner Alcantar on the latest labor market data are available at: http://texasworkforce.org/news/press/2014/press-releases-2014.html#pressReleaseAudio. Employment estimates released by TWC are produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. All estimates are subject to revision. To access this and more employment data, visit www.tracer2.com.