Texas Employment Continues Climb, Attains 12th Consecutive High in October

Texas Workforce Commission • November 21, 2022

Tyler Rate 3.5%, Longview Rate 4.2%

In October 2022, Texas added a total of 49,500 nonfarm jobs. Texas employment first surpassed the pre-COVID level in November 2021. From that month through October 2022, the state set new employment highs each month, marking 12 consecutive periods of record-setting job counts. Texas total nonfarm employment reached 13,630,000 in October. The Texas economy has added 694,200 positions since October 2021. The Texas seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 4.0 percent in October, the lowest level since the February 2020 pre-pandemic rate of 3.5 percent.


“We’ve reached record employment highs for 12 consecutive months here in Texas, creating more opportunities across the state,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “TWC is committed to connecting employers with the workforce needed to keep our state’s economy growing and providing Texans with the training and resources they need to achieve a high-demand career.”



Professional and Business Services led private industry job growth in October with 18,700 positions added, followed by Leisure and Hospitality, which grew by 11,600 jobs. Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added 7,400 jobs. Also of note, Other Services employment surpassed its pre-pandemic level in October 2022, with 3,400 positions added over the month.


“Ten of 11 major industries in Texas have rebounded to their pre-COVID levels and beyond, translating to more jobs in more industries for more Texans,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “Whether you’re looking to upskill, train for a new position, or are searching for your next career move, TWC has the free resources to help.”


The Amarillo and Austin-Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA) recorded the lowest unemployment rates among Texas MSAs with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 2.8 percent each in October, followed by Midland at 2.9 percent, then College Station-Bryan and Lubbock both at 3.1 percent.


“Texas’ continued job growth is a true testament to the vitality of our Texas employers and our unrivaled business climate,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson. “TWC remains committed to supporting our Texas employers by connecting them to our world-class Texas talent pipeline, offering unparalleled access to training resources, and ensuring they have the proper tools to thrive.”


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 November is scheduled to be released on Friday, December 16, 2022 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 164,753.0 159,144.0 5,609.0 3.4
Texas 14,631.2 14,081.4 549.8 3.8
Tyler 112.0 108.0 4.0 3.5
Longview 96.5 92.5 4.1 4.2
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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.
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