The Texas labor market again achieved new record-high levels for jobs, Texans employed, and the civilian labor force following over-the-month increases in February. Texas’ seasonally adjusted job count increased by 49,800 over the month of February to reach 14,103,700 jobs. This reflects job growth in 44 of the last 46 months and marks the largest total nonfarm monthly job gain since January 2023.
Texas’ total nonfarm employment grew by 291,400 jobs from February 2023 to February 2024, amounting to a 2.1 percent annual growth rate and outpacing the U.S. growth rate by 0.3 percentage points. In addition, Texas led the nation in seasonally adjusted over-the-month and over-the-year increases in total nonfarm employment.
The Texas seasonally adjusted civilian labor force grew over the month by 25,800 people to reach 15,169,200 in February. This included the addition of 19,800 employed Texans over the month. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate registered at 3.9 percent for the ninth consecutive month while showing a drop from the February 2023 rate of 4.0 percent.
“The Texas workforce continues to show comprehensive growth, with jobs added across almost all major industries over the month,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “TWC continues our efforts to offer funding and support for both employers and job seekers.”
Ten of the 11 major industries added jobs over the month in February. The most significant growth occurred in Professional and Business Services with 11,900 jobs added, while 9,300 jobs were added in Private Education and Health Services. The Construction industry added 7,800 jobs over the month in February and grew by 4.0 percent over the year, which outpaced the national growth rate by 1.3 percentage points.
“Texans are opening doors to new and meaningful career opportunities as reflected by the consistently high employment growth,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “TWC and its network of local Workforce Solutions offices are helping to guide job seekers towards emerging career pathways that extend to all segments of Texas industries.”
The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) maintained the lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 2.9 percent in February, followed by the Amarillo MSA at 3.4 percent, and College Station-Bryan at 3.5 percent.
“Private sector employers continued to drive the historic growth of Texas’ labor market by adding more than 45,000 jobs over the month in February,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza. “TWC programs like the Skills Development Fund and the Work Opportunity Tax Credit can help Texas’ private employers sustain this pattern of economic growth.”