Texas Unemployment Rate Falls to 5.9 Percent in August

Texas Workforce Commission • September 17, 2021

Tyler Rate 4.7%, Longview Rate 5.8%

In August, the seasonally adjusted Texas unemployment rate was 5.9 percent, a decrease of 0.3 percentage points from July 2021. Texas added 39,300 total nonagricultural jobs over the month, making gains in 15 of the last 16 months. Texas added a total of 681,000 jobs since August 2020.


“The continued decrease in the unemployment rate and the positive job growth is good news for Texas,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “The demand for middle skills jobs -- those requiring less than a bachelor’s degree, but more than a high school diploma -- continues to grow and TWC is committed to ensuring the state's workforce has the tools needed to succeed in these high demand jobs.”


In August, the Professional and Business Services industry gained 29,600 jobs over the month. Education and Health Services employment added 17,800 positions. Also of note, Trade, Transportation and Utilities added 7,100 jobs.


“Our Texas workforce is resilient and opportunities to advance your career or start a new one continue to grow in our state,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “Thanks to TWC programs like skills training through Metrix Learning, Texans have access to over 5,000 free courses to learn or refine skills to land the new jobs created each month in Texas.”


The Amarillo Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) recorded August’s lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.6 percent, followed by the Austin-Round Rock MSA at 3.8 percent and Abilene, College Station-Bryan and Sherman-Denison MSAs each at 4.2 percent.


“The continued job growth in Texas shows employers are resilient and have succeeded in navigating the unique challenges of running a business,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson. “To support our Texas employers, TWC has a number of programs that offer employers assistance in attracting and retaining skilled talent and customized training that keeps Texas a top destination to do business.”


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 September is scheduled to be released on Friday, October 22, 2021 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 States 161,788.0 153,232.0 8,556.0 5.3
Texas 14,192.5 13,433.4 759.1 5.3
Tyler 113.5 108.2 5.3 4.7
Longview 97.4 91.7 5.7 5.8
Full List

Texas Adds More than 46,000 Jobs in March

May 1, 2026
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Resilient Texas Job Market Shows Industry-Specific Growth as Unemployment Remains Stable

April 22, 2026
The total number of nonfarm jobs in Texas registered at 14,354,600 after decreasing by 8,500 positions in February. Over the year, the state added 73,800 jobs for an annual nonfarm growth rate of 0.5 percent, outpacing the national growth rate by 0.4 percentage points. Texas’ civilian labor force registered at 15,941,800 after decreasing by 13,400 over the month. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 121,200 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas remained stable at 4.3 percent. “Texas’ over-the-year growth trajectory remains strong because we have cultivated a pro-business climate that helps employers grow and generate new opportunities for working Texans,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “The Texas Workforce Commission is investing strategically in programs that foster long-term economic prosperity across all regions of our state.” The Professional and Business Services industry had the largest private sector over-the-month increase in February after adding 6,300 jobs. In addition, Manufacturing added 2,500 jobs over the month while Information added 200. Construction posted the highest annual growth rate of any major industry for the 19th month in a row at 2.7 percent in February. “The addition of more than 121,000 people to the labor force over the year reinforces the need to make sure all Texans can participate in—and benefit from—our evolving economy,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “The Texas workforce system is addressing the needs of today while anticipating those of tomorrow through initiatives like Texas Intern Network, which connects young Texans with employers.” The Midland metropolitan statistical area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.3 percent in February. It was followed by the San Angelo MSA at 3.5 percent and the Abilene MSA at 3.6 percent. “The foundations of the Texas economy are strong, and our employers and workers are resilient and adaptable,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “It’s encouraging to see robust growth surging across key industries like Construction and Professional and Business Services, signaling that there is ample cause for optimism.” 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 March is scheduled to be released on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. (CT). 

TWC Announces Funding Opportunity for Adult Diploma Workforce Program

April 22, 2026
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is now accepting applications for its Workforce Diploma Pilot Program. This funding opportunity is intended to support programs that help adult learners in Texas obtain a high-school diploma, earn industry-recognized credentials, and develop employability skills. The Workforce Diploma Pilot Program is designed to create new career pathways for adult learners. The program connects adults who have not completed high school with education providers that offer a combination of academic instruction, career training, and supportive coaching. Eligible applicants must be authorized to grant a high school diploma in Texas or partner with an accredited entity that is authorized. Applicants are also required to have at least two years of experience in dropout reengagement services for adult students. This includes experience in academic assessments, proactive coaching, employability skills training, and preparation for industry-recognized credentials. Interested organizations must submit their completed responses by May 5, 2026. The complete request for qualifications (RFQ), including all requirements and submission documents, can be found online at: https://www.txsmartbuy.gov/esbd/3202600137 . Organizations must use this portal to submit their response. All questions regarding this RFQ should be emailed to vendorproposals@twc.texas.gov .
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