(The Center Square) – Texas again led the U.S. in job creation last month, as it has every month for over two years. It also broke its own monthly employment records as it did last month and in previous consecutive months.
Texas led the U.S. in annual jobs growth, adding more jobs over the last 12 months than any state in the country. Texas also reached two new record highs last month: it reported the largest Texas civilian labor force and the largest number of self-employed individuals in state history.
“Thanks to our young, skilled, diverse, and growing labor force—the largest ever and a magnet for businesses looking to invest and expand—Texas again leads the nation in annual jobs growth,” Gov. Greg Abbott said. “Despite national economic headwinds, Texas grew more jobs over the past 12 months than any other state. That momentum is a testament to the resilience of Texas businesses and entrepreneurs and the best business climate in the nation. With more Texans working than ever before, we continue to build an even bolder Texas of tomorrow.”
Total civilian labor force reached a new record high of 15,162,100 after adding another 20,900 people in October, marking the 10th consecutive monthly increase.
The number of self-employed reached an all-time high of 14,536,800.
As of October 2023, the Lone Star State’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm job count totaled 14,048,200, the Texas Workforce Commission reported.
“Texas was first in the nation in over the year job growth with 391,500 jobs gained. The annual growth rate outpaced the nation’s by a full point, 2.9 percent compared to 1.9 percent nationally,” it reported.
“Despite a small decrease in payroll jobs, the Texas labor force grew by nearly 21,000 people in October, with no change in the unemployment rate,” TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel said. “The Texas economy continues to grow, and there are nearly 480,000 job listings for individuals with the right skills, which TWC can help provide.”
Six of 11 major industries also expanded over the month. Top industry gains included Trade, Transportation and Utilities sector adding 5,300 jobs, Information industry adding 2,100 jobs, and Professional and Business Services adding 1,500 positions.
“Texas continues to outpace the nation in job growth as we expand workforce opportunities in multiple industries,” TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III said. “This means doors continue to open for career pathways and for job seekers entering the workplace.”
“Texas remains the best state in the nation to work, live, and own a business,” TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza said, also encouraging Texas employers to utilize a range of services offered at nearly 175 Workforce Solutions offices statewide to hire skilled workers.
Texas’ unemployment rate is higher than the national rate of 3.6%, as it has been for years; last month it was 4.1%.
The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area reported the lowest not seasonally adjusted rate of 2.4%, followed by Amarillo MSA’s 2.9%, and College Station-Bryan’s 3%.
The MSAs traditionally reporting the highest rates in the state of over 6-8% dramatically decreased last month.
Beaumont-Port Arthur and McAllen-Edinburgh-Mission each reported 5.2%, and Brownsville-Harlingen, 4.9%, according to TWC data.
