Texas Breaks More Records in March 2023: Labor Force Size, Number Employed, and Job Count

Texas Workforce Commission • April 21, 2023

Texas attains new records in March 2023 with the largest civilian labor force and greatest number of people employed in state history. The seasonally adjusted civilian labor force increased by 78,800 to reach a series-high 14,898,100 people, while the unemployment rate held steady at 4.0 percent. Texas added 28,600 positions to reach another series-high job count at 13,839,200 total nonfarm jobs. Since March 2022, 575,100 positions have been added.


“In setting this 18th consecutive monthly employment record, Texas demonstrates the strong employment opportunities in the state,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “TWC strives to support continued growth with work-based learning tools that advance Texas’ expanding needs.”


Texas’ over-the-year employment growth through March 2023 outpaced the nation in every one of the 11 major industries. Over the month, Leisure and Hospitality led job growth with 7,400 positions added, followed by Construction, which increased by 5,800 jobs. Also of note, both Trade, Transportation and Utilities and Private Education and Health Services grew by 5,400 jobs in March.


“The state’s private industries are booming, with a 4.6 percent growth rate over-the-year,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson. “From manufacturing to professional and business services, TWC and our 28 Workforce Solutions partners across the state have tools to help Texas employers, large and small, keep pace with the rapidly growing Texas economy.”


The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) recorded the lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 2.6 percent in March, followed by Amarillo at 3.1 percent, then College Station-Bryan at 3.2 percent.


“The Texas civilian labor force, with 14.9 million people, continues to demonstrate resilience and growth,” observed TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “Here at TWC, we are focused on unlocking opportunities for our workforce. From apprenticeships to upskilling to quality child care, we are dedicated to helping every Texan have the opportunity to reach their career goals.”


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 April is scheduled to be released on Friday, May 19, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. (CST).


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

C.L.F Employed Unemployed Rate
United States 166,783.0 160,741.0 6,043.0 3.6
Texas 15,118.4 14,485.9 632.5 4.2
Tyler 114.4 110.00 4.4 3.9
Longview 99.4 95.1 4.3 4.3

Hiring Red, White & You! Statewide Veterans Job Fair Scheduled for November 5 in Longview

October 27, 2025
Wednesday, November 5 | 10 AM - 1 PM | Maude Cobb Convention Center

SNAP Benefits / Government Shutdown FAQ Guide from Texas Health & Human Services

By Texas Health & Human Services • October 24, 2025
SNAP Benefits are not handled by Workforce Solutions East Texas offices. Our staff members cannot assist with your inquiries regarding the Federal Government Shutdown's effect on your benefits. To aid in these concerns, we are sharing information below from Texas Health and Human Services .  2025 Federal Government Shutdown With the federal government shut down, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission is monitoring how it may impact your benefits. Check this page for updates . SNAP SNAP benefits for November won’t be issued if the federal government shutdown continues past Oct. 27. WIC WIC benefits are not affected currently. TANF TANF benefits are not affected currently. Medicaid Medicaid is not affected currently. CHIP CHIP is not affected currently. Find answers about SNAP and other benefits in the Federal Government Shutdown FAQ (PDF) .
Welcome slide: Workforce Solutions Management. Board officers: Gene Rayburn, Priya Rayburn.

Welcome, New Board Officers! Chair Gene Keenon & Vice Chair Pam Pearson

By Workforce Solutions East Texas • October 24, 2025
We are pleased to introduce the newest officers of our Board of Directors: Chair Gene Keenon, Municipal Services Manager at Republic Services, and Vice Chair Pam Pearson, Administrator of the Wills Point Economic Development Corporation. Keenon represents the Private Business sector and was appointed to the board on December 23, 2014. Pearson represents Economic Development and was appointed on March 17, 2015. Both have dedicated many years to the board and served as chairs of subcommittees, bringing valuable experience and insights to guide the board in supporting our community. "It is a great honor to accept the appointment as Chairman of the Board for the East Texas Workforce Solutions and to serve as a representative of the private business community. I am deeply committed to advancing the mission and values of this exceptional organization," said Keenon. "Having the privilege of doing business throughout all 14 counties in our region, I understand both the challenges and opportunities that exist within our workforce. I pledge to represent our entire area with integrity, dedication, and a steadfast focus on the prosperity and well-being of our citizens. "The Board’s team of dedicated and diverse volunteers plays a vital role in overseeing millions of dollars in training and financial aid programs that empower individuals through childcare support, education, and job-readiness. I have witnessed firsthand the importance of these services—growing up watching my own mother work tirelessly to support her family as a single mom without a high school education —and I know how transformative such resources can be. "Our collective mission is to improve the quality of life for all East Texans. That mission is also my personal goal, and I am eager to work alongside these board members and dedicated staff to strengthen our communities and expand opportunities for all." The Workforce Solutions East Texas Board works with the region’s chief elected officials and sets local workforce policy. The volunteer board is made up mostly of private sector members, along with representatives from labor, education, and community organizations. We proudly serve Anderson, Camp, Cherokee, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Marion, Panola, Rains, Rusk, Smith, Upshur, Van Zandt, and Wood counties. “I am truly honored by the opportunity to serve as Vice Chair of the Workforce Solutions East Texas Board," said Pearson. It is a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated group of leaders who share a strong commitment to strengthening our workforce and supporting the employers, families, and communities across our region. I have great confidence in the talent, experience, and collaboration of this board as we continue advancing opportunities for East Texans.” We look forward to Keenon and Pearson’s leadership as we plan initiatives that support local businesses and economic growth. Join us in congratulating them at our next Workforce Solutions East Texas Board Meeting on November 12 at our Tyler center located at 4100 Troup Hwy, Tyler, TX 75703.
Show More