Texas Labor Market Continues to Expand in April With More Than 42,000 Jobs Added

Texas Workforce Commission • May 17, 2024

The Texas labor market once again set record-high levels for jobs, employed Texans, and the civilian labor force. April marks the 37th consecutive month of positive annual job growth. Texas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment increased to 14,159,000 after 42,600 jobs were added over the month in April, reflecting growth in 46 of the last 48 months.

Texas added 306,000 jobs from April 2023 to April 2024. Texas’ annual nonfarm growth rate currently sits at 2.2 percent, outpacing the U.S. growth rate by 0.4 percentage points.

In April, Texas’ seasonally adjusted civilian labor force grew by 37,000 people to reach a new high of 15,226,800. This included adding 32,500 employed Texans over the month. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate registered at 4.0 percent.

“Texas continues to set economic records as employers add jobs across industries,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “TWC is working to improve programs and services to support our state’s ongoing success.”

Private Education and Health Services added 12,000 jobs, registering as the industry with the largest over-the-month increase. Another 9,800 positions were added in Trade, Transportation, and Utilities. Professional and Business Services added 7,600 jobs over the month in April.

“Each month of record growth creates greater job opportunities for our workforce,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “Thanks to the hard work of over 170 local Workforce Solutions offices across the state, we provide Texans with the services and programs they need to succeed in the job market.”

All Texas MSA unemployment rates declined in April. The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 2.2 percent in April, reflecting a drop of 0.4 percentage points from its March unemployment rate. The Amarillo and College Station-Bryan MSAs followed with a 2.6 percent unemployment rate over the month.

“The addition of 42,600 jobs over the month of April is a sign that the Texas economy remains strong,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza. “As more businesses look to expand or launch in Texas, TWC can support employers with programs to upskill their workforce and fill in-demand occupations.”

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 May is scheduled to be released on Friday, June 21, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. (CT).

C.L.F. Employed Unemployed Rate
United States 167,484.0 161,590.0 5,894.0 3.5
Texas 15,305.0 14,762.5 542.5 3.5
Tyler 116.2 112.4 3.8 3.3
Longview 100.0 96.3 3.8 3.8

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

Texas Adds More than 46,000 Jobs in March

May 1, 2026
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Resilient Texas Job Market Shows Industry-Specific Growth as Unemployment Remains Stable

April 22, 2026
The total number of nonfarm jobs in Texas registered at 14,354,600 after decreasing by 8,500 positions in February. Over the year, the state added 73,800 jobs for an annual nonfarm growth rate of 0.5 percent, outpacing the national growth rate by 0.4 percentage points. Texas’ civilian labor force registered at 15,941,800 after decreasing by 13,400 over the month. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 121,200 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas remained stable at 4.3 percent. “Texas’ over-the-year growth trajectory remains strong because we have cultivated a pro-business climate that helps employers grow and generate new opportunities for working Texans,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “The Texas Workforce Commission is investing strategically in programs that foster long-term economic prosperity across all regions of our state.” The Professional and Business Services industry had the largest private sector over-the-month increase in February after adding 6,300 jobs. In addition, Manufacturing added 2,500 jobs over the month while Information added 200. Construction posted the highest annual growth rate of any major industry for the 19th month in a row at 2.7 percent in February. “The addition of more than 121,000 people to the labor force over the year reinforces the need to make sure all Texans can participate in—and benefit from—our evolving economy,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “The Texas workforce system is addressing the needs of today while anticipating those of tomorrow through initiatives like Texas Intern Network, which connects young Texans with employers.” The Midland metropolitan statistical area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.3 percent in February. It was followed by the San Angelo MSA at 3.5 percent and the Abilene MSA at 3.6 percent. “The foundations of the Texas economy are strong, and our employers and workers are resilient and adaptable,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “It’s encouraging to see robust growth surging across key industries like Construction and Professional and Business Services, signaling that there is ample cause for optimism.” 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, May 1, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. (CT). 

TWC Announces Funding Opportunity for Adult Diploma Workforce Program

April 22, 2026
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is now accepting applications for its Workforce Diploma Pilot Program. This funding opportunity is intended to support programs that help adult learners in Texas obtain a high-school diploma, earn industry-recognized credentials, and develop employability skills. The Workforce Diploma Pilot Program is designed to create new career pathways for adult learners. The program connects adults who have not completed high school with education providers that offer a combination of academic instruction, career training, and supportive coaching. Eligible applicants must be authorized to grant a high school diploma in Texas or partner with an accredited entity that is authorized. Applicants are also required to have at least two years of experience in dropout reengagement services for adult students. This includes experience in academic assessments, proactive coaching, employability skills training, and preparation for industry-recognized credentials. Interested organizations must submit their completed responses by May 5, 2026. The complete request for qualifications (RFQ), including all requirements and submission documents, can be found online at: https://www.txsmartbuy.gov/esbd/3202600137 . Organizations must use this portal to submit their response. All questions regarding this RFQ should be emailed to vendorproposals@twc.texas.gov .
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