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

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.
Show More