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

Texas Adds Jobs as Labor Force Grows by 21,700

December 15, 2025
Texas had a total of 14,343,800 nonfarm jobs after adding 4,600 positions in September. Over the year, the state added 168,000 jobs for an annual nonfarm growth rate of 1.2 percent, outpacing the national growth rate by 0.4 percentage points. Texas’ civilian labor force registered at 15,879,000 after adding 21,700 people over the month and reaching a new record high level for the series. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 164,000 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas was stable at 4.1 percent. “Texas’ job market and labor force continue to grow because we have a dynamic workforce system that fosters opportunity for businesses and workers alike,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “TWC will continue to provide the resources and support needed to keep this momentum and ensure that Texas remains a national leader in economic opportunity.” The Construction industry had the largest private sector over-the-month increase in September after adding 4,300 jobs. Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added 2,000 jobs over the month while Other Services added 1,500. In addition, Leisure and Hospitality posted an annual growth rate of 2.2 percent in September, which was the highest of any major industry. “TWC's investments are key to the success of Texas' resilient workforce,” said TWC Commissioner Alberto Treviño III. “Training programs, apprenticeships, and child care will enable Texans to prosper in our economy.” Among metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) in Texas, the Amarillo and Midland MSAs had the lowest unemployment rates with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.3 percent, followed by the San Angelo MSA at 3.4 percent. “TWC is upholding Texas’ reputation as the best state to live and work by ensuring job seekers and businesses alike have the support and resources they need to find success in our robust Texas economy,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “TWC will continue to facilitate economic growth across the state by connecting job seekers with employers and providing job training for Texans.” 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 .

Honoring Our Heroes: Workforce Solutions East Texas Supports Veterans at Homeless Veterans Stand Down

November 20, 2025
In Tyler, Texas, veterans are never forgotten—and on November 13, 2025, the Homeless Veterans Stand Down hosted by CampV proved that in a powerful way. The event brought together community organizations, service providers, and volunteers to honor those who have served our country, offering a day of hope, resources, and connection for veterans experiencing homelessness. Workforce Solutions East Texas (WSET) was proud to be in attendance, providing veterans with guidance on employment opportunities, programs, and services, as well as explaining the priority of service available to every veteran we serve. Our staff met veterans where they are, listening to their stories, understanding their challenges, and helping them take steps toward stability, self-sufficiency, and renewed purpose. The atmosphere was one of respect and gratitude. Each handshake, conversation, and shared smile reflected the deep appreciation our community has for those who have dedicated their lives to service. Veterans were able to connect with potential employers, learn about training programs, and explore the array of support services designed to help them rebuild their lives. Events like the Homeless Veterans Stand Down are more than outreach, they are a reminder that no veteran stands alone. They highlight the resilience, courage, and determination of those who have served, and the profound impact of a community willing to step up and support them. Workforce Solutions East Texas remains committed to ensuring that every veteran has access to the resources, guidance, and opportunities they deserve. By meeting veterans with empathy, respect, and actionable solutions, we help transform uncertainty into hope, and challenges into possibilities.  Through events like this, we are reminded that honoring our heroes is not just about words, it is about action, care, and unwavering support for those who have given so much for our nation.

Vocational Rehabilitation Spotlight: What does “Individualized Services” mean?

November 20, 2025
One key factor and benefit for individuals with disabilities in the Vocational Rehabilitation Services program is VR’s commitment to Individualized Services when seeking employment assistance. But what does that mean to the people receiving these services? One of the key factors and benefits for individuals with disabilities in going through the Vocational Rehabilitation Services program when seeking assistance with employment is VR’s commitment to Individualized Services. But what does that mean to the people receiving these services? Every person who comes to VR has a different goal, a different disability, and a different life experience. This means that two people with the same diagnosis (for instance, hearing loss) may receive vastly different services. If the first person to come in with hearing loss is in their 50s, has worked in a highly physical and loud environment their entire life, and is looking to get assistance so that they can keep their current job but hear over the radio or during safety meetings, they may receive counseling related to hearing aids, as well as how to protect their existing hearing and ensure that the hearing aids they do get are able to withstand high temperatures, won’t move around when they are sweating, and ensure that they are able to dry thoroughly at the end of each day. The second person may be attending school with the goal of going into the medical field. The challenges they face would be ensuring that they can hear their instructors and may require assistance from another student as a Note Taker, different styles of hearing aids that connect directly with medical equipment such as a specialized stethoscope, or even a microphone that can be clipped to the instructor or clinician to ensure the customer can hear them properly while learning. Even when looking into who is going to provide these services, whether it be Job Placement, Medical Assistance, Assistive Devices, or Education Assistance, each customer has the right to make an Informed Choice. Your counselor will review the recommended services, go over any pros and cons, and discuss the availability of providers that have existing contracts with the agency so that the person receiving the service or item is able to make the choice that suits them best with as much information as possible, rather than having no say in how their case will go. If you or someone you know has a disability, medical or mental health diagnosis that is impacting their ability to go to work or advance in their careers, please reach out to Vocational Rehabilitation Services today!
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