The Texas Workforce Commission reported that Texas employers added 154,300 nonfarm jobs over the 12 months ending in September, an annual growth rate of 1.1 percent that outpaced the national rate by 0.8 percentage points, according to an Oct. 16 news release from the agency.
The agency said Texas recorded a total of 14,461,300 nonfarm jobs in September after shedding 11,100 positions over the month. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate registered at 4.4 percent. Texas’ civilian labor force stood at 15,948,400 after adding 15,800 people over the month and 3,600 people over the year, the release said.
Manufacturing recorded the largest private-sector over-the-month increase in September, adding 4,700 jobs, according to the agency. Professional and Business Services added 1,600 jobs and Information added 1,400.
Among metropolitan areas, Midland had the lowest not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in September at 3.2 percent, the release said. Abilene, Amarillo, College Station-Bryan and San Angelo followed, each at 3.5 percent.
“The addition of more than 154,000 jobs over the year reflects balanced growth across Texas industries,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “Texas continues to outpace the nation because of innovative programs like Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants, which are equipping students with skills that help businesses compete today and plan for tomorrow.”
TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III pointed to the agency’s outreach efforts. “Through statewide initiatives like our annual Hiring Red, White & You! career fairs and the Texas HireAbility campaign, we are actively connecting Texans of all abilities with the critical training and resources they need to build prosperous, lifelong careers,” Treviño said.
TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett also highlighted the HireAbility campaign. “Initiatives like this month’s Texas HireAbility campaign help strengthen our communities and allow Texas businesses to tap into a dedicated and driven talent pool,” Connett said.
The agency noted that its employment estimates are produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics and are subject to revision. TWC said the next labor market data release is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 20, at 9 a.m. Central.