Texas Unemployment Rate Declines to 4.4 Percent, Marking Another Month of Record Employment

Texas Workforce Commission • April 18, 2022

Tyler Rate 3.5%, Longview Rate 4.4%

In March, the seasonally adjusted Texas unemployment rate was 4.4 percent, a decrease of 0.3 percentage points from February 2022, and 2.0 percentage points below the level set one year ago. Texas added 30,100 total nonagricultural jobs in March 2022. For the fifth consecutive month, the state set new employment highs as total nonfarm jobs reached 13,207,600 in March 2022. Texas has added a total of 731,600 positions since March 2021.


“We’ve added 152,200 positions so far in 2022, which is more jobs over the first three months than any previous year dating back to 1990,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “The prosperous economic climate in Texas expands opportunities for all who call Texas home.”


In March, Financial Activities gained 7,800 jobs over the month. Manufacturing added 5,600 positions. Also of note, Education and Health Services employment grew by 5,500 jobs. 


“Texas continues to add jobs month after month, meaning more career opportunities for our Texas workforce,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “From registered apprenticeship programs designed to fill high-demand job openings to child care resources for families and providers, TWC continues to offer tools and resources to help our workforce succeed at advancing in their careers.”

 

The Amarillo and Austin-Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA) recorded March’s lowest unemployment rates among Texas MSAs with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 2.7 percent, followed by College Station-Bryan at 2.9 percent, then Lubbock at 3.0 percent. 


“Our state’s unemployment rate continues to fall, which is a direct indication that Texans are taking advantage of the numerous career opportunities created by our Texas employers,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson.


“Texas employers, large and small, continue to show their strength, innovation and vitality by adding jobs to our world-class Lone Star State labor market.”


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 & Career Information Data for April is scheduled to be released on Friday, May 20, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. (CDT).


Civilian Labor Force Estimates for Texas Metropolitan Statistical Areas Not Seasonally Adjusted (In Thousands)

C.L.F Employed Unemployed Rate
United State 164,274.00 158,106.00 6,168.00 3.8
Texas 14,536.90 13,974.00 563 3.9
Tyler 111.8 107.9 3.9 3.5
Longview 96.6 92.4 4.2 4.4

Employer Driven Technical Training - Upskill Texas

September 22, 2026
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is currently accepting applications for the Upskill Texas grant program. This technical training initiative provides crucial funding for Texas businesses looking to enhance their workforce's skills and remain competitive in today's rapidly evolving economy. Upskill Texas offers financial support to employers that are: Expanding their operations Retooling their processes Introducing new services or product lines Experiencing organizational structure changes that could avert layoffs Through Upskill Texas, employers may be reimbursed up to $3,000 per trainee for 100% technical training. The majority of the trainees must have been employed by the business for at least six months. To be eligible, businesses must have 100 or more employees located in Texas and provide a 50% employer match, which can include trainee wages and benefits. Private employers may appoint a designee for the grant, including community or technical colleges, third-party trainers, or workforce development boards. Projects can range from $150,000 to $500,000. Follow the link below to learn more.

Workforce Solutions East Texas Palestine Office Strengthens Local Workforce Connections

September 22, 2026
Workforce Solutions East Texas is strengthening its role as a workforce development leader in the Palestine area by bringing some of the region’s top employers directly to the community. Through a growing series of hiring events hosted at the Palestine office, local job seekers are gaining direct access to employers, career opportunities, and a dedicated team ready to help them take their next step. The events have already generated strong results. On August 14, Wayne Sanderson Farms brought 51 job seekers to the Palestine office for a hiring event. The response was so strong that the company was able to fill its entire first shift through the event, demonstrating the impact that direct connections between employers and job seekers can have. The momentum continued on September 4, when East Texas Beef Processors welcomed 50 job seekers to its hiring event at the Palestine office. The strong turnout provided the company with an opportunity to connect with local talent while giving residents a chance to learn more about available careers and employment opportunities. These events are doing more than filling positions. They are helping Workforce Solutions East Texas build stronger relationships with employers throughout the region while establishing the Palestine office as a convenient, trusted resource for businesses and job seekers alike. By creating opportunities for employers to recruit locally, Workforce Solutions East Texas is helping strengthen the connection between the region’s workforce and the businesses that drive its economy.  Residents looking for their next career opportunity are encouraged to stop by the Palestine Workforce Solutions East Texas office, meet with employers, explore available positions, and connect with the staff who are ready to provide guidance and support throughout their job search. As the Palestine office continues expanding its employer partnerships and hiring event offerings, Workforce Solutions East Texas is demonstrating what workforce development looks like in action: bringing employers and job seekers together, responding to the needs of the local economy, and creating pathways to opportunity right here in the community.

Not Starting Over, but Moving Forward: Jessica Paul's Journey Through the RESEA Program

September 22, 2026
After 30 years with the same employer, Ms. Paul never imagined she would have to start over. Her career with a staffing company had been built over three decades of experience in customer service and payroll. Then, without warning, she was laid off. “It was nerve-wracking. I’m a single mom of two. How are we going to survive?” After such a long career with one employer, Ms. Paul wasn't sure where to begin. The job market had changed, and she worried about finding a position that valued her experience while meeting her salary needs. That's when she discovered Workforce Solutions East Texas and the RESEA program. Ms. Paul initially knew very little about RESEA. Through the program, she discovered the resources available through WorkInTexas.com, including the Virtual Recruiter, Resume Builder, job search tools, career exploration resources, and WIOA opportunities. But the greatest impact came from the personalized support of her Career Navigator, Cheryl Jackson. Cheryl helped Ms. Paul update her resume, explore new career possibilities, prepare for interviews, and regain confidence in a job market she hadn't navigated in 30 years. “Cheryl gave me the confidence to job search and interview. Thirty years ago was so different from now, so her guidance was very helpful.” Through career exploration and mock interviews, Ms. Paul discovered opportunities she had never considered and gained the confidence to present her skills to employers. “She gave me the confidence and support I needed.” Today, Ms. Paul is working in payroll and invoicing for a staffing company and will soon take on additional responsibilities in fleet management. What began as an unexpected and frightening transition became a new chapter filled with possibility. RESEA didn't just connect Ms. Paul with resource, it helped her recognize that after 30 years of experience, she wasn't starting over. She was moving forward with confidence. Her advice to others facing an unexpected job loss is simple: “Use all of your resources. You never know where a job will come from, so use everything.” 
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