Texas' Civilian Labor Force Records Seventh Consecutive Month of Growth

Workforce Solutions East Texas • August 16, 2024

Texas’ seasonally adjusted civilian labor force achieved a new record-high of 15,353,700 after adding 41,900 people over the month in July. This marks a seventh consecutive month of growth for Texas’ civilian labor force. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 248,900 people.

The state’s seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment, which refers to the number of filled jobs within Texas, showed a decrease of 14,500 jobs— from 14,180,900 in June to 14,166,400 in July. However, Texas’ nonfarm job count grew by 265,500 positions since July 2023. This reflected a 1.9 percent annual growth rate, which outpaced the nation by 0.3 percentage points.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas registered at 4.1 percent, which was 0.2 percentage points below the national rate.

“Despite a slight decrease in the total number of jobs, the Texas civilian labor force continues to break records,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “There are still more than half a million job listings in the state, which create career opportunities for Texans.”

Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added 7,300 jobs in July, registering as the industry with the largest over-the-month increase. Financial Activities added 2,500 jobs over the month and Mining and Logging added 1,300 jobs. With the addition of 900 jobs in July, Construction showed 4.0 percent growth over the year, which outpaced the industry’s national growth rate by a full percentage point.

“Texas is outperforming the national unemployment rate which signifies the strength of our labor market,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “TWC offers a wide array of resources to help job seekers take advantage of opportunities and propel their careers to the next level.”

The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 2.8 percent in July, followed by the Amarillo MSA at 3.4 percent. The unemployment rate for the Austin-Round Rock and College Station-Bryan MSAs registered at 3.6 percent. The College Station-Bryan MSA ranked first in the nation for largest over-the-year percentage increase in nonfarm employment at 6.0 percent not seasonally adjusted.

“As career paths open in a variety of industries, the Texas Workforce Commission can help employers hire, train, and retain their future workforce,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza. “Initiatives like the Skills Development Fund provide Texas businesses the opportunity to administer customized training that best supports their needs.”

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 TexasLMI.com.


The Texas Labor Market Information Data for August is scheduled to be released on Friday, September 20, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. (CT).

C.L.F. Employed Unemployed Rate
United States 169,723.0 162,038.0 7,685.0 4.5
Texas 15,454.1 14,776.1 678.0 4.4
Tyler 117.5 112.7 4.8 4.1
Longview 100.7 86.0 4.7 4.7

Our team and workforce development board pays close attention to key economic data about occupations and in-demand industries. Our goal as the local workforce development board is to evaluate current market trends in order to design and deliver services to businesses and job seekers in our region. To view the most recent labor market report for East Texas, visit www.easttexasworkforce.org/labor-market-information or click the button below.


East Texas Labor Market Information

Texas Adds More than 46,000 Jobs in March

May 1, 2026
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Resilient Texas Job Market Shows Industry-Specific Growth as Unemployment Remains Stable

April 22, 2026
The total number of nonfarm jobs in Texas registered at 14,354,600 after decreasing by 8,500 positions in February. Over the year, the state added 73,800 jobs for an annual nonfarm growth rate of 0.5 percent, outpacing the national growth rate by 0.4 percentage points. Texas’ civilian labor force registered at 15,941,800 after decreasing by 13,400 over the month. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 121,200 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas remained stable at 4.3 percent. “Texas’ over-the-year growth trajectory remains strong because we have cultivated a pro-business climate that helps employers grow and generate new opportunities for working Texans,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “The Texas Workforce Commission is investing strategically in programs that foster long-term economic prosperity across all regions of our state.” The Professional and Business Services industry had the largest private sector over-the-month increase in February after adding 6,300 jobs. In addition, Manufacturing added 2,500 jobs over the month while Information added 200. Construction posted the highest annual growth rate of any major industry for the 19th month in a row at 2.7 percent in February. “The addition of more than 121,000 people to the labor force over the year reinforces the need to make sure all Texans can participate in—and benefit from—our evolving economy,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “The Texas workforce system is addressing the needs of today while anticipating those of tomorrow through initiatives like Texas Intern Network, which connects young Texans with employers.” The Midland metropolitan statistical area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.3 percent in February. It was followed by the San Angelo MSA at 3.5 percent and the Abilene MSA at 3.6 percent. “The foundations of the Texas economy are strong, and our employers and workers are resilient and adaptable,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “It’s encouraging to see robust growth surging across key industries like Construction and Professional and Business Services, signaling that there is ample cause for optimism.” 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 TexasLMI.com . The Texas Labor Market Information Data for March is scheduled to be released on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. (CT). 

TWC Announces Funding Opportunity for Adult Diploma Workforce Program

April 22, 2026
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is now accepting applications for its Workforce Diploma Pilot Program. This funding opportunity is intended to support programs that help adult learners in Texas obtain a high-school diploma, earn industry-recognized credentials, and develop employability skills. The Workforce Diploma Pilot Program is designed to create new career pathways for adult learners. The program connects adults who have not completed high school with education providers that offer a combination of academic instruction, career training, and supportive coaching. Eligible applicants must be authorized to grant a high school diploma in Texas or partner with an accredited entity that is authorized. Applicants are also required to have at least two years of experience in dropout reengagement services for adult students. This includes experience in academic assessments, proactive coaching, employability skills training, and preparation for industry-recognized credentials. Interested organizations must submit their completed responses by May 5, 2026. The complete request for qualifications (RFQ), including all requirements and submission documents, can be found online at: https://www.txsmartbuy.gov/esbd/3202600137 . Organizations must use this portal to submit their response. All questions regarding this RFQ should be emailed to vendorproposals@twc.texas.gov .
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