Texas gained 33,200 seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs in May bringing the over-the-year total to 286,400 jobs added.
“Employers in Texas continue to create jobs in the dynamic Texas economy,” said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Andres Alcantar. “Our state provides many advantages to businesses that make Texas their home, and I encourage employers to use the many resources provided through the Workforce Solutions network for their hiring needs.”
The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate saw a slight increase in May and now stands at 4.3 percent up from 4.2 percent in April. The state continues to trend well below the U.S. unemployment rate of 5.5 percent.
“The Texas civilian labor force now stands at more than 13 million workers and each of them have talents and abilities to contribute to our great state,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. “The Texas Workforce Commission and its workforce partners continue to pursue the mission of connecting every Texan who wants a job to an employer who needs his or her skills.”
May’s job gains came from employers in the state’s service providing industries. The Leisure and Hospitality industry added 16,000 jobs. The Education and Health Services industry showed the next largest increase with 12,500 positions added.
“Texas employers continue to provide job growth and this is great news for our state,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Hope Andrade. “Texas has so much to offer for veterans, job seekers and businesses that choose to locate here. To discover the many services that are available through the Texas Workforce Commission, I encourage all Texans to visit Texasworkforce.org.”
The Amarillo Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) boasted the lowest unemployment in the state in May, a not seasonally adjusted rate of 2.9 percent. The Austin-Round Rock and Midland MSAs followed, each with a 3.1 percent rate.
(Press release from the Texas Workforce Commission)