Texas Unemployment Rate Falls to 6.8 Percent in January

Texas Workforce Commission • March 12, 2021

Tyler Rate 6.7%, Longview Rate 8.1%

Texas added 30,800 total nonagricultural jobs over the month, marking the ninth consecutive month of job growth. Private sector employment moved in the same direction with an increase of 32,600 positions for the month. The Texas unemployment rate for January 2021 was 6.8 percent, down from 6.9 percent in December 2020.


"The continued job growth in January is a promising sign for our economic recovery," said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. "TWC continues to provide opportunities for Texans to enhance job skills or to find a new job at MyTxCareer.com."


In January, the Professional and Business Services industry added 12,800 jobs. Financial Activities added 8,400 jobs, Construction added 3,000 jobs and Leisure and Hospitality added 2,900 jobs.


"This month continues to show increased job growth and emphasizes the need for skilled workers in Texas" said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. "TWC is proud to help all workers sharpen their skills through programs like Metrix online learning, which is available free to all Texans."


The Amarillo Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) recorded January’s lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 4.9 percent, followed by the Austin-Round Rock MSA with the second lowest rate of 5.4 percent. The College Station-Bryan MSA recorded the third lowest rate of 5.6 percent.


"Texas employers continue to show astounding resilience in getting Texans back to work," said Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson. "As Texas re-opens to 100%, my office will continue to be a frontline resource for Texas employers, providing them with the best information and tools available to assist with operating their businesses proficiently."


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 February is scheduled to be released on Friday, March 26, 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 Unempoyed Rate
United States 159,234.0 148,383.0 10,851.0 6.8
Texas 14,027.8 13,000.1 1,027.8 7.3
Tyler 109.3 102.1 7.3 6.7
Longview 96.1 88.3 7.8 8.1
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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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