Texas’ Annual Employment Growth Continues to Outpace the Nation

Texas Workforce Commission • January 4, 2024

Texas’ labor market achieved a new record high as the state’s seasonally adjusted job count reached 14,094,900, an increase of 26,800 positions over the month of November. Lone Star State employment set new record high levels in each of the last 26 months and added 407,100 positions since November 2022, ranking No. 1 in the nation in over the year increase of seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs. Texas’ employment growth rate continued to outperform with 3.0 percent annual growth from November 2022 to November 2023⎯outpacing the nation’s more modest 1.8 percent.


The Texas seasonally adjusted civilian labor force grew over the month by 30,800 people to reach 15,192,900 in November. This marked the 11th consecutive monthly increase and included the addition of 39,700 Texans employed. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held at 4.1 percent.


“Texas continues to lead the nation and break records for economic growth,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “With more than 26,000 positions added in November, TWC continues to connect job seekers and employers to keep Texas working.”


Statewide, eight of 11 major industries in Texas expanded over the month. Professional and Business Services saw significant growth with 9,900 jobs added while the Construction industry gained 9,200 jobs in November. Another 5,100 positions were added in Private Education and Health Services. Furthermore, six of the 11 major industries set new employment highs in November, including Construction, Financial Activities, Professional and Business Services, Private Education and Health Services, Leisure and Hospitality, and Government.


“Texas continues to outpace the nation in job growth as Texans take advantage of the many options available for their next career opportunity,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “TWC has various programs and services available to provide the right training and tools needed by job seekers to enter into a diverse range of high-demand occupations.”


The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) maintained the lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 2.2 percent in November, followed by the Amarillo MSA at 2.6 percent, and College Station-Bryan at 2.7 percent.


“The Texas labor market has continued to thrive month after month, and continues to lead the nation in many categories,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza. “As we head into 2024, the future looks bright for Texas employers across the state seeking to expand their business and tap into the state’s growing workforce.”


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.

C.L.F. Employed Unemployed Rate
United States 167,977.0 162,149.0 5,827.0 3.5
Texas 15,277.1 14,741.8 535.4 3.5
Tyler 114.4 110.6 3.8 3.3
Longview 99.8 96.0 114.4 3.8
TWC Announcement

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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