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

August 4th Regionwide Job Fair Employers List

July 28, 2026
Tuesday, August 4 | Athens, Longview, Marshall, Palestine, and Tyler

Texas Job Market Grows by More Than 177,000 Positions Over the Year

July 20, 2026
Texas added 43,400 nonfarm jobs in June to reach a total of 14,469,600 positions. Over the year, the state added 177,900 jobs for an annual growth rate of 1.2 percent, outpacing the national growth rate by 0.9 percentage points. Texas’ civilian labor force registered at 15,904,900 after adding 3,400 people over the month. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 29,700 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas registered at 4.4 percent. “Texas’ continued job growth is a testament to the strength of our employers and robust workforce development system,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “The addition of more than 177,000 jobs over the year reinforces Texas’ reputation among employers as the best place to start and grow a business.” The Professional and Business Services industry had the largest private sector over-the-month increase in June after adding 25,500 jobs. Leisure and Hospitality added 10,300 jobs over the month while Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added 6,400. “The growth of the Texas labor market highlights the incredible talent and dedication of our state’s workforce,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “The Texas Workforce Commission is committed to ensuring every Texan has the support they need to thrive, whether through training opportunities to gain new skills or specialized programs that help our foster youth transition into successful careers.” The Midland metropolitan statistical area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.6 percent in June. It was followed by the San Angelo MSA at 3.9 percent and the Abilene MSA at 4.0 percent. “With an annual growth rate of 1.2 percent, Texas continues to outpace the national average and demonstrate economic resilience,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “Both job seekers and employers can seek customized career services and recruitment assistance by visiting our TWC website or their local Workforce Solutions office.” 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 July is scheduled to be released on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. (CT).

Building Connections, Strengthening Child Care

July 20, 2026
Workforce Solutions East Texas Child Care Services is proud to partner with the Panola County Chamber of Commerce to support child care leaders across the region. Through this partnership, the Chamber provides a welcoming meeting space for Directors Connect training designed to help early learning program owners and directors connect, learn, and grow together. The partnership was made possible through the support of Keri Perot-Vance, Executive Director of the Panola County Chamber of Commerce, whose commitment to community collaboration helped create a space where child care leaders can come together to share ideas, discuss challenges, and strengthen their leadership skills. The partnership began in 2025 in response to daycare owners expressing a need for accessible training opportunities. Recognizing this need, Panola County Chamber of Commerce graciously offered to host the Directors Connect training in its beautiful historic building. This collaboration provides child care professionals with the opportunity to earn professional development hours required to remain in compliance with Child Care Regulation and Texas Rising Star. Tonia Crawford and Aerial Jones, Business Industry Specialists for Child Care Services and facilitators of Directors Connect, say the program has evolved into so much more than a training opportunity. It has become a space for meaningful conversations, professional connections, and shared solutions. Through these gatherings, directors are strengthening their businesses, growing as leaders, and ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided to children and families throughout East Texas. Workforce Solutions East Texas Child Care Services is grateful for the Panola County Chamber of Commerce's ongoing support and looks forward to continuing this impactful partnership for years to come. Together, we are investing in stronger leaders, stronger child care programs, and stronger communities.
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