Private Sector Fuels Continued Growth of Texas Job Market

Workforce Solutions East Texas • August 26, 2026

Texas added 1,600 nonfarm jobs in July to reach a total of 14,468,000 positions. Over the year, the state added 165,600 jobs for an annual growth rate of 1.2 percent, outpacing the national rate by a full percentage point.

Texas’ civilian labor force registered at 15,915,600 after adding 10,800 people over the month. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 17,800 people.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas registered at 4.5 percent.

“The addition of more than 165,000 jobs over the last year highlights the growth of the Texas economy and the employers who drive it,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “By offering resources like our ASCEND grant and Skills for Success program, TWC is ensuring Texas’ workforce development efforts evolve in stride with the needs of our private sector partners.”

The Private Education and Health Services industry had the largest private sector over-the-month increase in July after adding 5,900 jobs. Professional and Business Services added 3,600 jobs over the month while Leisure and Hospitality added 3,400.

“With our labor force expanding by 10,800 people in July, it is evident that the volume of opportunities in Texas is a powerful draw for the American workforce,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “To sustain this momentum, TWC is committed to investing in the success of all workers, utilizing programs like Project Search to provide the vocational rehabilitation and training necessary for Texans of all abilities to thrive.”

The Midland metropolitan statistical area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.4 percent in July. It was followed by the San Angelo MSA at 3.8 percent and the Abilene MSA at 3.9 percent.

“Texas’ annual growth rate of 1.2 percent is outpacing the national average by a full percentage point, underscoring the dynamism of our economy,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “TWC is here to help Texans capitalize on that success by offering career and technical education resources that equip students and job seekers for the specialized, high-paying jobs fueling our growth.”

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 18, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. (CT).

Table titled “Civilian Labor Force Estimates for Texas Metropolitan Statistical Areas,” with multiple columns of numeric data.
Black-and-white table titled “Texas nonagricultural wage and salary employment” with monthly employment figures.

Employers: Join East Texas’ Largest Hiring Event of the Year

By Workforce Solutions East Texas • October 6, 2026
Workforce Solutions East Texas is seeking employer partners for Hiring Red, White & You!, the local celebration of Texas’ statewide veterans hiring event. Join us on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at the Tyler Workforce Center, 1421 S. Beckham Ave., Tyler. The opening ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by the hiring event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hiring Red, White & You! connects employers with veterans, transitioning service members, military spouses, and other qualified East Texas job seekers. It is an opportunity to meet candidates whose military experience often reflects leadership, adaptability, communication skills, and a strong commitment to service. This event is open to the public, making it an excellent opportunity to promote current openings and build your organization’s talent pipeline. Employer participation is available at no cost. Across Texas, Hiring Red, White & You! events have connected more than 26,000 employers with 153,000 job seekers, including more than 52,000 veterans. Employers who hire qualifying veterans may also be eligible for federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit benefits of up to $9,600 per eligible hire. Reserve your employer space today by registering at www.EastTexasWorkforce.org/hrwy .

Employer Driven Technical Training - Upskill Texas

September 22, 2026
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is currently accepting applications for the Upskill Texas grant program. This technical training initiative provides crucial funding for Texas businesses looking to enhance their workforce's skills and remain competitive in today's rapidly evolving economy. Upskill Texas offers financial support to employers that are: Expanding their operations Retooling their processes Introducing new services or product lines Experiencing organizational structure changes that could avert layoffs Through Upskill Texas, employers may be reimbursed up to $3,000 per trainee for 100% technical training. The majority of the trainees must have been employed by the business for at least six months. To be eligible, businesses must have 100 or more employees located in Texas and provide a 50% employer match, which can include trainee wages and benefits. Private employers may appoint a designee for the grant, including community or technical colleges, third-party trainers, or workforce development boards. Projects can range from $150,000 to $500,000. Follow the link below to learn more.

Workforce Solutions East Texas Palestine Office Strengthens Local Workforce Connections

By Workforce Solutions East Texas • September 22, 2026
Workforce Solutions East Texas is strengthening its role as a workforce development leader in the Palestine area by bringing some of the region’s top employers directly to the community. Through a growing series of hiring events hosted at the Palestine office, local job seekers are gaining direct access to employers, career opportunities, and a dedicated team ready to help them take their next step. The events have already generated strong results. On August 14, Wayne Sanderson Farms brought 51 job seekers to the Palestine office for a hiring event. The response was so strong that the company was able to fill its entire first shift through the event, demonstrating the impact that direct connections between employers and job seekers can have. The momentum continued on September 4, when East Texas Beef Processors welcomed 50 job seekers to its hiring event at the Palestine office. The strong turnout provided the company with an opportunity to connect with local talent while giving residents a chance to learn more about available careers and employment opportunities. These events are doing more than filling positions. They are helping Workforce Solutions East Texas build stronger relationships with employers throughout the region while establishing the Palestine office as a convenient, trusted resource for businesses and job seekers alike. By creating opportunities for employers to recruit locally, Workforce Solutions East Texas is helping strengthen the connection between the region’s workforce and the businesses that drive its economy.  Residents looking for their next career opportunity are encouraged to stop by the Palestine Workforce Solutions East Texas office, meet with employers, explore available positions, and connect with the staff who are ready to provide guidance and support throughout their job search. As the Palestine office continues expanding its employer partnerships and hiring event offerings, Workforce Solutions East Texas is demonstrating what workforce development looks like in action: bringing employers and job seekers together, responding to the needs of the local economy, and creating pathways to opportunity right here in the community.
Show More