Texas grew by an estimated 38,300 nonfarm jobs in September. The state has added jobs in 17 of the last 18 months. Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 4.8 percent in September, up slightly from 4.7 percent in August, and remained below the national rate of 5.0 percent.
“Texas employers continue demonstrating their competitiveness by adding 38,300 jobs in September, for a total of 206,800 jobs added over the year,” said TWC Chairman Andres Alcantar. “This continued growth in a diverse range of industries creates valuable opportunities for our state’s world-class workforce and builds on Texas’ continued success as a global economic leader.”
The Leisure and Hospitality industry recorded the largest industry employment gain over the month with 17,900 jobs added. Professional and Business services employment grew by 6,000 jobs in September. Construction employment expanded for the third consecutive month with the addition of 3,400 jobs.
“Private-sector employment was strong over the year with the overall job growth of 162,600 and 31,600 jobs added in September,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Ruth R. Hughs. “Texas is a state that continues to welcome new employers and work with our homegrown businesses, offering them the tools they need to grow and succeed.”
The Amarillo and Austin-Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA) recorded the month’s lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a non-seasonally adjusted rate of 3.5 percent, followed by the Lubbock MSA with a rate of 3.6 percent and the College Station-Bryan MSA with a rate of 3.7 for September.
“Our economy continues to offer many diverse opportunities to job seekers” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “I encourage those seeking these opportunities to take advantage of the workforce services available through their local Workforce Solutions office for help finding the job that’s right for them.”
(News release from the Texas Workforce Commission)
