by Houston, TX – Texas set new employment records in July, continuing its trend of strong job growth and outperforming the national average, according to data released by the Texas Workforce Commission.
Record Job Growth
Texas’ nonfarm job total climbed to 14,333,800 after adding 8,700 positions over the month. Over the past year, the state gained 232,500 jobs, marking an annual nonfarm growth rate of 1.6%, compared to the national rate of 1%.
The state also reached a new high for total Texans employed, including the self-employed, at 15,213,700 in July.
Governor Greg Abbott credited Texas’ business climate and workforce for the continued growth, saying the state must ensure access to training and resources for even higher-paying opportunities.
Workforce Programs and Training
To support this momentum, the Texas Legislature recently passed bills expanding career training programs. More than $1.6 million in Jobs and Education for Texans grants was awarded to career and technical education training programs in South Texas last week.
Labor Force Trends
Texas’ civilian labor force totaled 15,848,800 in July, a slight monthly decrease of 1,400 people. Despite the dip, which included declines in the oil and natural gas sector, the workforce grew by nearly 196,000 over the year.
Alberto Treviño III, TWC Commissioner Representing Labor, emphasized that the state’s resilience continues to drive opportunities, highlighting the agency’s efforts to connect Texans with skills and jobs in growing industries.
Industries Leading the Growth
Several sectors contributed significantly to July’s numbers:
- Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added 5,500 jobs.
- Professional and Business Services gained 3,800 jobs.
- Construction grew by 2,800 jobs, expanding 3.2% over the year, double the national industry growth rate.
Joe Esparza, TWC Commissioner Representing Employers, noted that Texas is fostering job creation across industries while ensuring its workforce remains trained and ready to meet demand.
Employment Rates Across Texas
Texas’ unemployment rate stood at 4.2% in July, below the national average of 4.6%.
- The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area reported the lowest rate at 3.1%, followed by Amarillo and San Angelo at 3.2%.
- The highest rates were reported in Eagle Pass (9.4%), Brownsville-Harlingen (7.3%), and McAllen-Edinburg-Mission (6.7%).
Texas continues to lead the nation in job creation, reinforcing its reputation as one of the strongest and most diverse state economies in the country.
