Texas Job Growth Continues in February, More Than 20,000 Jobs Added

Workforce Solutions East Texas • March 31, 2025

The Texas labor market continued to achieve record highs for both jobs and the civilian labor force in February. The state added 20,100 positions over the month to reach a total of 14,254,200 nonfarm jobs. Texas added 182,300 jobs from February 2024 to February 2025, bringing the annual nonfarm growth rate to 1.3 percent and outpacing the national growth rate by 0.1 percentage points.

February marks 56 of 58 months of growth for Texas’ civilian labor force, which achieved another new record high of 15,770,300 after adding 19,500 people over the month. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 334,800 people.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas registered at 4.1 percent.

“With more than 20,000 jobs added the past month, Texas continues to see solid economic growth including the labor force,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “TWC supports this growth with strategic training programs designed to address the needs of employers and connect workers to successful career pathways.”

The Trade, Transportation, and Utilities industry had the largest over-the-month increase in February after adding 7,400 jobs. In addition, Leisure and Hospitality added 6,000 jobs over the month and Construction added 5,200. The Financial Activities industry grew by 2.6 percent over the year in Texas and outperformed the industry’s growth rate nationally by 1.7 percentage points.

“Continued labor market growth through February is fueling economic expansion across Texas, creating more opportunities for Texans to find meaningful employment and improve their quality of life,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “To ensure all segments of the Texas workforce can benefit from this growth, TWC remains committed to investing in essential resources like career training, vocational rehabilitation, child care, and adult education, empowering individuals to capitalize on these new opportunities and contribute to our state's continued prosperity.”

The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.2 percent in February, followed by the Amarillo MSA at 3.3 percent and the San Angelo MSA at 3.4 percent.

“Texas led all states with more than 182,000 jobs added over the year because Texas employers continue to generate new opportunities,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza. “More Texans are working than at any point in the state’s history, and TWC can support employers by providing resources and an upskilled workforce to power their momentum.”

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 March is scheduled to be released on Friday, April 18, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. (CT).

Texas Workforce Commission is a state agency dedicated to helping Texas employers, workers, and communities prosper economically. For details on TWC and its services in coordination with its local workforce development boards network, call 800-628-5115 or visit https://twc.texas.gov/. Subscribe to email updates to receive notifications about TWC programs and services.

East Texas Labor Market Information

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.
Show More