Texas job growth surges with 78,000 jobs added in August

THE WOODLANDS, TX ⎯ The Texas labor market achieved a new record-high level for jobs and the civilian labor force in August. Texas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment increased to 14,239,200 after 78,000 jobs were added over the month. Texas added 302,400 jobs from August 2023 to August 2024. Texas’ annual nonfarm growth rate currently sits at 2.2 percent, outpacing the U.S. growth rate by 0.7 percentage points.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas registered at 4.1 percent, which was 0.1 percentage points below the national rate. Meanwhile, the August unemployment for The Woodlands area remained relatively steady at 4.7 percent; 0.2 percent down from July but still 0.2 percent above last year's rate at this time.

Texas’ seasonally adjusted civilian labor force achieved a new record-high of 15,398,400 after adding 44,800 people over the month in August. This marks the eighth consecutive month of growth for Texas’ civilian labor force. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 277,900 people.

“With the addition of 78,000 new jobs last month, the Texas workforce continues its positive annual growth,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “The Texas workforce offers many opportunities for a meaningful career.”

Leisure and Hospitality added 15,500 jobs in August, registering as the industry with the largest over-the-month increase. Professional and Business Services added 12,700 jobs over the month and Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added 9,600 jobs. With the addition of 8,300 jobs in August, Construction showed 4.4 percent growth over the year, which outpaced the industry’s national growth rate by 1.6 percentage points.

“For the last eight months, Texas’ civilian labor force has reached record-high levels,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “Our partnership with the 28 Workforce Solutions Boards helps to strengthen the workforce by connecting job seekers to rewarding, in-demand careers across our great state.”

“Texas continues to outpace the nation in annual employment growth, which highlights the hard work and ingenuity of private-sector Texas employers,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza. “I encourage Texas employers to partner with TWC, educational institutions, and local Workforce Development Boards to capitalize on this momentum.”

Employment estimates released by TWC are produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. *All estimates are subject to revision. To access this and more employment data, visit TexasLMI.com.

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