In May, the Texas economy marked 23 consecutive months of employment growth, adding 34,700 seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs . Over the year, Texas added 352,100 jobs for an annual employment growth rate of 2.9 percent. Private-sector employers added 34,300 positions over the month. Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.1 percent in May, unchanged from April 2018.
“Texas employers continue to put the world class Texas workforce to work, adding 34,700 jobs in May and 352,100 over the year,” said TWC Chairman Andres Alcantar. TWC continues to work with our local and Tri-Agency partners to foster innovative strategies to equip the Texas talent pool with industry aligned skills. Job creation is strong in Texas.”
May’s annual growth in the state’s Goods Producing industries was strong at 5.7 percent. Over the month, the Construction industry added 5,800 jobs, followed by Mining and Logging with 4,100 positions, while Manufacturing employment expanded by 3,400 positions.
In Texas’ Service Providing sector, Education and Health Services added 8,100 positions over the month, and led all industries in job growth for May. Also within this sector, Professional and Business Services added 4,300 jobs, followed by Leisure and Hospitality with a gain of 3,500 positions.
“Employers continue to contribute to our state’s great success. Private-sector employers have accounted for the addition of 346,300 positions in Texas over the past year as the state has continued to expand its workforce,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employer Ruth R. Hughs. “As employment continues to grow, I invite Texas employers whose workforce is comprised of at least 10 percent Texas veterans to apply for our We Hire Vets recognition program. We want to thank businesses for their commitment to hiring our nation’s heroes and strengthening the Texas economy.”
Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) recorded the month’s lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a non-seasonally adjusted rate of 2.1 percent, followed by the Amarillo MSA, which had the second lowest with a rate of 2.6 percent. The Austin-Round Rock, College Station-Bryan, Lubbock, and Odessa MSAs all recorded the third lowest rate of 2.8 percent for May.
“Several Goods Producing industries are showing strength in Texas, including Construction,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “I encourage our labor force to connect with TWC’s apprenticeship training program that can help prepare them for a well-paying career. One of the best ways that adults learn skills is in applied studies.”
View the Texas Labor Market highlights from Commissioner Julian Alvarez:
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