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’ Civilian Labor Force Sets New Record as Annual Growth Rate Continues to Outpace the Nation

By Workforce Solutions East Texas • July 18, 2025
Texas’ civilian labor force achieved another new record high of 15,850,100 after adding 10,800 people over the month and marking 60 of 62 months of growth. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 237,800 people. Texas added 198,300 jobs over the year for an annual nonfarm growth rate of 1.4 percent, outpacing the national growth rate by 0.3 percentage points. The state had 14,329,200 total nonfarm jobs after decreasing by 1,900 positions over the month of June. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas registered at 4.0 percent after decreasing by 0.1 percentage points over the month. “The increase in the civilian labor force and the drop in the unemployment rate highlight continued strength in the Texas economy,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “TWC provides a number of tools for both job seekers and employers as we continue to grow the Texas labor force.” The Private Education and Health Services industry had the largest over-the-month increase in June after adding 6,900 jobs. Leisure and Hospitality added 3,000 jobs over the month while Information added 1,000. In addition, the Construction industry grew by 2.4 percent over the year in Texas and outperformed the industry’s growth rate nationally by 0.9 percentage points. “As Texas thrives, TWC is dedicated to empowering working Texans to share in that success," said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. "Through our strong partnerships and resources like WorkInTexas.com, targeted job fairs, and essential skills training, we're helping Texans capitalize on opportunities and achieve their career goals.” The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.0 percent in June, followed by the Amarillo and San Angelo MSAs at 3.1 percent. “TWC supports a business-friendly environment, which attracts employers to Texas, creates new career paths, and contributes to a more prosperous workforce,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza. "Key sectors like Private Education and Health Services continue to add thousands of jobs and highlight the opportunities for Texas employers.” 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 15, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. (CT).

TWC Launches New Grant to Address Workforce Readiness Gaps

By Workforce Solution East Texas • June 24, 2025
 The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is now accepting applications for Skills for Success, a special initiative with Texas State Technical College (TSTC) designed to equip Texas workers with essential workforce readiness skills. “TWC is proud to partner with TSTC on Skills for Success, a program that directly aligns with our mission to connect Texans with rewarding careers,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “We are committed to ensuring our state’s employers have access to a skilled and adaptable workforce.” Through the Skills for Success grant, TWC covers all costs of specific TSTC training courses for eligible employers to create customized training packages. Employers of any size can select courses to meet their business and staffing needs. Courses train on skills such as communication, organization, teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking, digital literacy, conflict resolution, time management, and more. “Skills for Success isn’t just a training program; it’s a launchpad for Texan careers,” said Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “By equipping individuals with essential soft skills, we’re empowering them to earn better wages, secure fulfilling jobs, and build stronger futures for their families and communities.” Funded through the state’s Skills Development Fund, Skills for Success is available to private employers with full-time employees working anywhere in Texas. By developing and emphasizing the importance of these foundational skills, this program aims to improve employee performance, increase retention rates, and foster a more adaptable workforce to meet the evolving needs of Texas employers. “Small, medium, and large employers across the state have expressed the need for motivated employees who demonstrate technical and workforce readiness skills, like flexibility, leadership, and attention to detail,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza. “The Skills for Success program will bridge a skills gap and create a stronger workforce for Texas employers.” Texas businesses interested in participating in the Skills for Success grant are encouraged to visit www.twc.texas.gov/sfs for the application, course catalog, eligibility requirements, and contact information.

East Texas Job Fairs Expand Access to Opportunities Across the Region

By Workforce Solutions East Texas • June 23, 2025
Workforce Solutions East Texas continues to strengthen its mission of connecting talent with opportunity through two recent job fairs held in June 2025, each serving a unique purpose and community need. Windows of Opportunity Job Fair (June 12, 2025) Hosted across multiple Workforce Solutions East Texas offices, the quarterly Windows of Opportunity Job Fair drew 330 job seekers and 51 employers from industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and education. The event gave attendees a chance to meet directly with hiring managers, explore job openings, and participate in on-the-spot interviews. Employers praised the turnout and the quality of candidates, while job seekers appreciated the chance to connect in person without the formal barriers of traditional hiring processes. The next Windows of Opportunity Job Fair is planned for the last quarter of 2025. For updates, visit www.easttexasworkforce.org/hiring-events . Panola County Job Fair: A Local Partnership with Big Impact (June 17, 2025) Separately, Workforce Solutions East Texas partnered with the Panola County Chamber of Commerce to host the Panola County Job Fair, focusing on connecting local job seekers and employers in a rural setting. The event welcomed 44 job seekers and 7 local employers, highlighting the value of direct outreach in communities often underserved by broader economic development efforts. “Rural areas are the backbone of East Texas, but they are sometimes overshadowed by the needs and resources of larger cities,” said Deanna Alexander, Community Engagement Area Manager. “That’s why partnerships like the one we have with the Panola County Chamber of Commerce are so essential.”  The success of the Panola County event shows how strong rural partnerships can drive long-term economic development and workforce engagement.
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