Solid Employment Growth in July Leads to More Records in Texas

Texas Workforce Commission • August 22, 2023

Texas has more jobs, more people employed, and more people willing and able to work than ever before as growth continued in July. Total nonfarm employment increased by 26,300 positions over the month to reach a 22nd consecutive series-high level at 13,969,100 jobs and achieved 29 consecutive months of growth. Since July 2022, Lone Star State employment grew by 441,700 positions—again, leading the nation in number of jobs added over the year.


The number of employed persons also reached a new record high adding 34,800 people over the month to reach 14,464,700. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 4.1 percent in July. The Texas seasonally adjusted civilian labor force grew over the month to 15,078,400 in July.


“Texas leads the nation in sustainable job growth with more than 2.7 million positions added in the past decade,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “The Texas economy remains strong, and TWC will continue to provide support through tools and resources for job seekers and employers alike.”


Leisure and Hospitality lead job growth for all the major industries with 9,800 jobs added over the month. Manufacturing added 6,600 jobs, closely followed by Private Education and Health Services, which tacked on 6,400 positions. Texas’ annual employment growth through July 2023 was stronger than the national rate in all but one of the 11 major industries, Leisure and Hospitality. That industry already recovered in Texas while employment remains below the pre-COVID threshold nationally.


“Following a net increase of 26,300 jobs in July, all but 400 of those jobs were in the private sector, illustrating that the Lone Star State continues to be the most attractive state for business,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson. “It is important to continue encouraging that job growth by utilizing our programs at TWC that help Texas employers grow their business, like the Skills Development Fund and the Skills for Small Business grant program.”


The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) reached the lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 2.9 percent in July, followed by Amarillo 3.6 percent, then Austin-Round Rock, College Station-Bryan, and Odessa at 3.8 percent, each. The Midland MSA again had the largest over-the-year percentage increase in number of jobs in the nation, not seasonally adjusted, while Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington MSA had the second largest overall number of jobs added. 


“Our civilian labor force continues to grow as more and more people relocate to Texas and become a part of the strongest employment ecosystem,” said Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “TWC supports over 14.4 million working Texans by offering valuable services for training, job search and vocational rehabilitation support services.”


Employment estimates released by TWC are produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). *All estimates are subject to revision. To access this and more employment data, visit TexasLMI.com.

The Texas Labor Market & Career Information Data for August is scheduled to be released on Friday, September 15, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. (CDT).

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A table of texas non agricultural wage and salary employment
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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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