(The Center Square) – In March, Texas reversed course from reporting job losses in January and February, reporting some job gains and setting a new state record for total nonfarm jobs.
Texas added 46,800 jobs in March, setting a new state record for 14,403,500 total nonfarm jobs, according to Texas Workforce Commission data.
The March data was just released after an ongoing delay in employment data being released due to the federal government shutdown last fall.
“Texas is where free enterprise flourishes and jobs grow,” Gov. Greg Abbott said in a statement. “Year after year, our state sets new records because we believe in hard work, cutting burdensome regulations, and the power of capitalism. Texas’ skilled workforce is ready to reach new heights and keep our state the economic engine of America.”
Over the year, Texas added 117,200 jobs for an annual nonfarm growth rate of 0.8%, again outpacing the national growth rate by 0.6%, according to the data.
Texas also reported job losses: 25,200 civilian jobs lost over the month. Over the year, Texas reported gains, adding 82,200 people to its civilian labor force. In March, the total reached 15,916,600.
Texas has gained nearly 2.6 million jobs since January 2015 when Abbott took office.
“The hard work of Texas employers – especially the 3.5 million small businesses across the state – is driving our economic strength and robust job creation,” TWC Chairman Joe Esparza said. “By supporting initiatives like the Governor’s Small Business Summits across the state, the Texas Workforce Commission is empowering these vital contributors to our economy and ensuring their continued success.”
TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III added that “New career opportunities are consistently emerging across the state, and we are committed to helping Texans access them. Through apprenticeship initiatives and comprehensive workforce development programs, we are helping people of all abilities and backgrounds – from foster youth to second chance individuals – find paths to meaningful careers.”
The Professional and Business Services industry reported the largest private sector over-the-month increase in March, adding 14,900 jobs. Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added 13,500 jobs over the month; Leisure and Hospitality added 6,800. The construction industry posted the highest annual growth rate of any major industry for the 20th consecutive month of 2.4%.
Texas’ not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 4.1% was also lower than the national rate of 4.3%.
The Midland metropolitan statistical area (MSA) reported the lowest not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3% in March, followed by the Abilene, College Station-Bryan and San Angelo MSAs, which each reported 3.2%.
Eagle Pass reported the highest unemployment rate of 9.5%, followed by Brownsville-Harlingen’s 6.4%, McAllen-Edinburg-Mission’s 5.9% and Beaumont-Port Arthur’s 5.3%.
Unemployment rates dropped statewide for the first time in months in March with 15 of Texas’ 28 MSAs falling below 4%.
