(The Center Square) – Texas broke jobs records again in July and again outpaced the national growth rate, according to new data released by the Texas Workforce Commission.
Texas again set new records in July for having the greatest total nonfarm jobs and greatest number of Texans working in state history.
Texas’ nonfarm jobs totaled 14,333,800 in July after adding 8,700 positions over the month. Over the year, Texas added 232,500 jobs for an annual nonfarm growth rate of 1.6%, outpacing the national growth rate by 0.6%.
Texas also reached a new high for the number of Texans working, including the self-employed, of 15,213,700 in July.
“Texas continues to see sustained job growth thanks to having the best business climate in America and the productivity of hardworking Texans,” Gov. Greg Abbott said. “With more Texans working than ever before, we must ensure Texans across our great state have access to the tools and training needed to secure better jobs and bigger paychecks.”
This year the legislature passed bills expanding career training programs, which Abbott signed into law. Last week, more than $1.6 million was awarded in Jobs and Education for Texans grants to support career and technical education training programs in South Texas.
Last month, Texas’ civilian labor force totaled 15,848,800, representing a decrease of 1,400 people over the month. Over the year, 195,900 people were added.
There was a slight dip in the labor force last month, including in the oil and natural gas industry.
Despite this, “Texas continues to create jobs, a testament to the resilience of our workforce,” TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III said. “TWC is working hard to ensure all Texans have access to the tools and training they need to seize these new opportunities, build skills, and find meaningful work in thriving communities across our state.”
The Trade, Transportation, and Utilities industry reported the largest over-the-month increase in July after adding 5,500 jobs. Professional and Business Services added 3,800 jobs; Construction added 2,800. The Construction industry also grew by 3.2% over the year, outperforming the industry’s growth rate nationally by 2%.
“Texas continues to foster job growth across a wide range of industries,” TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza said. “TWC works every day to ensure that the workforce powering our economy is trained, supported, and ready to grow alongside the businesses that call Texas home.”
Last month, the not seasonally adjusted employment rate increased nationally and in Texas. Texas’ 4.2% rate was lower than the national rate of 4.6%.
The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area reported the lowest not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.1% in July, followed by Amarillo and San Angelo MSAs’ 3.2% each. The MSAs with the highest rate were Eagle Pass’ 9.4%, Brownsville-Harlingen’s 7.3% and McAllen-Edinburgh-Mission’s 6.7%, according to the data.
Texans impacted by the July floods in designated disaster areas are encouraged to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance online or by calling the TWC at 800-939-6631. The application deadline is Sept. 4.
