Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment was 3.7 percent in November, remaining at the same historic 42-year low it was in October. The Texas economy added 14,000 seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs in November. Annual employment growth for Texas was 3.0 percent in November, marking 103 consecutive months of annual growth.
“The addition of 365,400 jobs over the year and 14,000 jobs in November demonstrates the consistency with which employers in our state create job opportunities for the highly skilled Texas workforce,” said TWC Chair Ruth R. Hughs. “The Texas economy offers employers access to a competitive workforce and provides job seekers with career options in a variety of growing Texas industries. The numbers are a testament to the resilience of our Texas employers and the diversity of our Texas economy.”
The Manufacturing Industry recorded the largest private-industry employment gain over the month with 9,100 jobs added and led all industries in growth.
In Texas’ private Service Providing sector, Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added 8,900 positions in November. Also within this sector, Professional and Business Services added 1,800 followed by Information, which added 1,000 positions.
“Employment demand continues to be high in well-paying industries such as Manufacturing, Construction, and Mining and Logging,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “I encourage career exploration in these and other industries that are growing in Texas. TWC’s labor market information tools and products are designed to inform, prepare and advance our Texas workforce. Visit a Workforce Solutions Office to find out more about the latest employment opportunities available.”
The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) recorded the month’s lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a non-seasonally adjusted rate of 2.1 percent, followed by the Amarillo MSA which had the second lowest with a rate of 2.5 percent. The Odessa MSA recorded the third lowest rate of 2.6 percent.
“We have much to be proud of in Texas as we enter the holidays celebrating another month of record-low unemployment and sustained job growth,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Robert D. Thomas. “While we reflect thankfully on the contributions from employers and individuals who made this tremendous record of success possible, we remain steadfastly committed to fostering continued job creation through economic development strategies and collaborative efforts to provide opportunities for all Texans to enjoy self-sufficiency and prosperity.”
Audio downloads with comments from Chair Hughs on the latest labor market data are available on the TWC webpage. 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 tracer2.com.
The Texas Labor Market & Career Information Data for November is scheduled to be released on Friday, January 18, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. (CDT).
The Texas Workforce Commission is a state agency dedicated to helping Texas employers, workers and communities prosper economically. For details on TWC and the services it offers in coordination with its network of local workforce development boards, call 512-463-8942 or visit www.texasworkforce.org.
