Texas Workforce Commission Releases The May Jobs Report

“We want to ensure all Texas employers have the resources they need to continue to grow their businesses, and I encourage employers to take advantage of the TWC programs…”

Austin – The Texas economy expanded in May with the addition of 14,800 seasonally adjusted non-farm jobs. Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 4.8 percent, down from 5.0 percent in April.

“Texas employers created 266,600 jobs over the past year and the Texas economy continues to provide competitive advantages to large and small business owners across the state,” said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman, Andres Alcantar. “TWC remains committed to fostering innovative partnerships that equip Texas students and workers with in-demand skills.”

Mining and Logging recorded the largest private-industry gain over the month with 6,600 jobs added. Construction employment grew by 3,400 jobs in May and Financial Activities employment expanded by 3,200 jobs.

“Employers in Texas have created more than 233,200 private-sector jobs over the year, including 11,100 jobs in May,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Ruth Hughs. “We want to ensure all Texas employers have the resources they need to continue to grow their businesses, and I encourage employers to take advantage of the TWC programs we offer 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 3.1 percent, followed by the Austin-Round Rock, College Station-Bryan and Lubbock MSAs with a rate of 3.2 percent. The Midland MSA registered a rate of 3.4 percent for May.

“All Goods Producing industries showed positive employment growth in Texas, including Manufacturing, which expanded by 1,800 jobs in May,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “I encourage our labor force to tap into TWC’s training resources like our apprenticeship training program that can help prepare them for a well-paying career.”

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.