Texas' Civilian Labor Force Exceeds 15.3 Million

Texas Workforce Commission • July 22, 2024

Texas' civilian labor force reached a new record-high total in June, marking the 6th consecutive month of growth. After adding 49,100 people over the month, Texas’ seasonally adjusted civilian labor force achieved a new high of 15,311,500 in June.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate registered at 4.0 percent, which is 0.1 percentage point below the national unemployment rate.

The state’s seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment, which is estimated independently of the civilian labor force statistics and refers to the number of filled jobs within Texas, showed a decrease of 1,200 jobs—from 14,190,000 in May to 14,188,800 in June. However, Texas’ nonfarm job count grew by 267,400 positions since June 2023. This reflected a 1.9 percent annual growth rate, which outpaced the nation by 0.2 percentage points.

“While there was a slight decrease in employment, the civilian labor force showed strong growth last month, adding nearly 50,000 Texans,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “With an unemployment rate below the national figure and an increasing labor force participation rate, we see a strong Texas economy and job opportunities for many Texans.”

Construction grew by 4.4 percent over the year, which outpaced the national growth rate by 1.5 percentage points. Construction added 5,100 jobs in June, registering as the industry with the largest over-the-month increase. Private Education and Health Services added 3,900 positions over the month and Manufacturing added 2,500 jobs.

“Our civilian labor force of 15.3 million people in Texas continues to prosper and break records each month,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “TWC and our workforce boards offer guidance and training to help Texans find job opportunities and pursue rewarding career paths.”

The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 2.9 percent in June, followed by the Amarillo MSA at 3.4 percent, and College Station-Bryan MSA at 3.7 percent.

“Texas employers are expanding thousands of job opportunities in the construction, private education and health, and manufacturing industries,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza. “With strong year-over-year growth in these sectors, I encourage Texans to consider training for in-demand occupations in their communities.”

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 16, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. (CT).

C.L.F. Employed Unemployed Rate
United States 169,007.0 161,774.0 7,23.0 4.3
Texas 15,436.6 14,736.5 700.1 4.5
Tyler 116.9 112.0 4.9 4.2
Longview 100.4 95.4 4.9 4.9

Our team and workforce development board pays close attention to key economic data about occupations and in-demand industries. Our goal as the local workforce development board is to evaluate current market trends in order to design and deliver services to businesses and job seekers in our region. To view the most recent labor market report for East Texas, visit www.easttexasworkforce.org/labor-market-information or click the button below.


East Texas Labor Market Information

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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.
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