Record Jobs, Employment, and Labor Force Spotlight Texas Momentum

Texas Workforce Commission • July 21, 2023

Local Unemployment Rates - 4.5% Longview, 3.8% Tyler

Texas broke three records again with number of jobs, number employed, and the size of the state’s civilian labor force. Total nonfarm employment increased by 31,100 positions over the month to reach a 21st consecutive series-high level at 13,944,600 jobs and achieved 28 consecutive months of growth. Since June 2022, Lone Star State employment grew by 542,500 positions—the largest annual increase in the nation. Texas’ employment growth rate continued to outperform with 4.0 percent annual growth from June 2022 to June 2023—outpacing any other state as well as the nation’s more modest 2.5 percent. 


The Texas seasonally adjusted civilian labor force grew over the month by 30,500 people to reach 15,039,800 in June. The number of employed also reached a new record high at more than 14,429,900. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 4.1 percent.


“More than 350,000 people have joined the Texas workforce since June 2022, making the Lone Star State a national leader as the best place to work and to live,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “As a resource for this growing job market, TWC is committed to provide a range of services for employers and job seekers alike.”


Private Education and Health Services added the most jobs of all the major industries at 11,900—closely followed by Construction with 11,000 positions. Manufacturing gained 6,100 jobs over the month. Texas’ annual employment growth through June 2023 was stronger than the national rate in all but one of the 11 industries, Leisure and Hospitality.


“Texas employers are helping Texas stay robust and growing as the state approaches the 14 million mark for nonfarm jobs,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson. “From initiatives like the Texas Conference for Employers and programs like the Skills Development Fund, TWC will continue to encourage that forward drive by providing resources for our Texas employers that include the best employment law education information and the best customized training for current and future workers.”


The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) reached the lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 2.6 percent in June, followed by Amarillo 3.3 percent, then Odessa at 3.4 percent. The Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington MSA had the second largest over-the-year increase in number of jobs in the nation, not seasonally adjusted. Meanwhile, Midland had the largest percentage increase, followed by Odessa with the second highest increase in the nation among all MSAs.


“Texas continues to expand the labor force with skilled workers, at more than 15 million strong, as we boost careers through opportunities with our apprenticeship, internship, and vocational rehabilitation programs,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “TWC and our 28 Workforce Solution Boards help Texans navigate employment services that include career exploration, support services, job fairs, and job training programs.”


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 & Career Information Data for July is scheduled to be released on Friday, August 18, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. (CDT).


Civilian Labor Force Estimates for Texas Metropolitan Statistical Areas Not Seasonally Adjusted (In Thousands)

C.L.F. Employed Unemployed Rate
United States 167,910.0 161,559.0 6,351.0 3.8
Texas 15,047.5 14,418.8 628.7 4.2
Tyler 113.4 109.0 4.3 3.8
Longview 98.9 94.4 4.5 4.5
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Success Story: Cyndi McKinney Explores a New Path, Becomes Career Navigator

By Workforce Solutions East Texas • July 30, 2025
For over 14 years, Cyndi McKinney built her career in staffing, recruitment, and human resources, earning respect as a strong leader and a results-driven professional. But in an instant, everything changed. She was unexpectedly let go—a moment that could have shattered her confidence and left her feeling lost. Instead of giving up, Cyndi chose to rise. She walked into Workforce Solutions East Texas determined to find a new path, and that’s where her journey of rediscovery began. Through the Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) program, Career Navigator Korey Harrison helped her see the value in her experience, refine her resume, and uncover transferable skills she hadn’t even realized she had. With his guidance, she embraced skill-building opportunities, automated her job search with help of the Virtual Recruiter system through the Work In Texas website , and was introduced to the WIOA program for training and career advancement. Through WIOA, Specialist Eileen Taylor showed Cyndi new possibilities—certifications, training programs, and job placement services. Cyndi stayed persistent, believing that the right door would open. One day, it did. Her Virtual Recruiter led her to a job posting for a WIOA Career Navigator role—right in the same office that had been walking beside her during her hardest days. She applied for the position and just a week later, received the call she had hoped for—she was offered the job. On June 30, 2025, Cyndi stepped into her new role with Workforce Solutions East Texas, carrying not only her years of HR expertise but also the resilience of someone who has faced uncertainty and emerged stronger. "The right help at the right moment doesn't just change your path — it rewrites your story,” Cyndi said as she reflected on her journey. Today, her journey has come full circle. She’s on a mission to empower others—to be the voice that reminds job seekers they are capable, the steady hand guiding those who feel lost, and living proof that no setback is final. With courage and determination, Cyndi isn’t just building a career—she’s helping others discover their own path to rise higher than they ever imagined.

Texas’ Civilian Labor Force Sets New Record as Annual Growth Rate Continues to Outpace the Nation

By Workforce Solutions East Texas • July 18, 2025
Texas’ civilian labor force achieved another new record high of 15,850,100 after adding 10,800 people over the month and marking 60 of 62 months of growth. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 237,800 people. Texas added 198,300 jobs over the year for an annual nonfarm growth rate of 1.4 percent, outpacing the national growth rate by 0.3 percentage points. The state had 14,329,200 total nonfarm jobs after decreasing by 1,900 positions over the month of June. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas registered at 4.0 percent after decreasing by 0.1 percentage points over the month. “The increase in the civilian labor force and the drop in the unemployment rate highlight continued strength in the Texas economy,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “TWC provides a number of tools for both job seekers and employers as we continue to grow the Texas labor force.” The Private Education and Health Services industry had the largest over-the-month increase in June after adding 6,900 jobs. Leisure and Hospitality added 3,000 jobs over the month while Information added 1,000. In addition, the Construction industry grew by 2.4 percent over the year in Texas and outperformed the industry’s growth rate nationally by 0.9 percentage points. “As Texas thrives, TWC is dedicated to empowering working Texans to share in that success," said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. "Through our strong partnerships and resources like WorkInTexas.com, targeted job fairs, and essential skills training, we're helping Texans capitalize on opportunities and achieve their career goals.” The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.0 percent in June, followed by the Amarillo and San Angelo MSAs at 3.1 percent. “TWC supports a business-friendly environment, which attracts employers to Texas, creates new career paths, and contributes to a more prosperous workforce,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza. "Key sectors like Private Education and Health Services continue to add thousands of jobs and highlight the opportunities for Texas employers.” 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 15, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. (CT).

TWC Launches New Grant to Address Workforce Readiness Gaps

By Workforce Solution East Texas • June 24, 2025
 The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is now accepting applications for Skills for Success, a special initiative with Texas State Technical College (TSTC) designed to equip Texas workers with essential workforce readiness skills. “TWC is proud to partner with TSTC on Skills for Success, a program that directly aligns with our mission to connect Texans with rewarding careers,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “We are committed to ensuring our state’s employers have access to a skilled and adaptable workforce.” Through the Skills for Success grant, TWC covers all costs of specific TSTC training courses for eligible employers to create customized training packages. Employers of any size can select courses to meet their business and staffing needs. Courses train on skills such as communication, organization, teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking, digital literacy, conflict resolution, time management, and more. “Skills for Success isn’t just a training program; it’s a launchpad for Texan careers,” said Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “By equipping individuals with essential soft skills, we’re empowering them to earn better wages, secure fulfilling jobs, and build stronger futures for their families and communities.” Funded through the state’s Skills Development Fund, Skills for Success is available to private employers with full-time employees working anywhere in Texas. By developing and emphasizing the importance of these foundational skills, this program aims to improve employee performance, increase retention rates, and foster a more adaptable workforce to meet the evolving needs of Texas employers. “Small, medium, and large employers across the state have expressed the need for motivated employees who demonstrate technical and workforce readiness skills, like flexibility, leadership, and attention to detail,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza. “The Skills for Success program will bridge a skills gap and create a stronger workforce for Texas employers.” Texas businesses interested in participating in the Skills for Success grant are encouraged to visit www.twc.texas.gov/sfs for the application, course catalog, eligibility requirements, and contact information.
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