Texas Labor Market Reached Historic Highs in 2023

Texas Workforce Commission • January 22, 2024

The Texas labor market reached historic highs in 2023, breaking records in employment growth and civilian labor force. In December, the state’s seasonally adjusted job count reached 14,103,300 jobs, an increase of 19,100 over the month—marking 27 consecutive months of new series employment highs.


Texas' employment growth rate continued to outpace the nation by a full percentage point, with 2.7 percent annual growth in the state from December 2022 to December 2023, compared to the nation’s 1.7 percent.


The Texas seasonally adjusted civilian labor force grew over the month by 11,100 people to reach 15,203,900 in December. This marked a 12 consecutive monthly increase and included the addition of 18,400 Texans employed. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped from 4.1 percent in November to 4.0 percent in December.


“Texas’ record-breaking employment growth remains a clear sign of the state’s economic strength,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “We finished 2023 with thousands more jobs in the state than at any other time in history.”


Statewide, seven of 11 major industries in Texas achieved series highs. Trade, Transportation, and Utilities saw significant growth with 7,100 jobs added, while 6,800 jobs were added in Private Education and Health Services and Leisure and Hospitality, respectively.


“The month-over-month increase in jobs is good news for every Texan,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “This continued growth shows that job seekers are taking advantage of career opportunities in the Lone Star State. TWC has the resources, services, and training to upskill job seekers and meet the demands of Texas employers.”


The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) maintained the lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 2.1 percent in December, followed by the Amarillo MSA at 2.5 percent, and College Station-Bryan at 2.6 percent.


"The data shows Texas employers continue to grow and thrive as all major industries in the state expanded over the year,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza. “To continue this growth, TWC and our 28 Workforce Solutions partners offer an array of resources for businesses to upskill, create new jobs and keep pace with the rapidly growing Texas economy.”


Employment estimates released by TWC are produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).


*All estimates are subject to revision. To access this and more employment data, visit TexasLMI.com.


The Texas Labor Market & Career Information Data for January is scheduled to be released on Friday, March 8, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. (CT). 

C.L.F. Employed Unemployed Rate
United States 167,977.0 162,149.0 5,827.0 3.5
Texas 15,277.1 14,741.8 535.4 3.5
Tyler 114.4 110.6 3.8 3.3
Longview 99.8 96.0 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.
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