State of Texas sets record-high level for new jobs in May

A report by the Texas Workforce Commission has record-breakingly positive news about the job market in Texas: For the 10th consecutive month, the state has set a record-high level for jobs, with more than 40,000 jobs added during the month of May.

The number of employed Texans and the state’s civilian labor force have both also reached new highs for the last five months.

Texas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment increased to 14,195,600, after 41,800 jobs were added over the month in May, reflecting monthly growth in 47 of the last 49 months and annual growth for 38 consecutive months.

Texas’ annual nonfarm employment expanded by 2.3 percent which outpaced the nation by half a point, as the state added 316,700 jobs since May 2023.

Texas’ seasonally adjusted civilian labor force grew by 35,900 people in May to reach a new high of 15,262,600. This included the addition of 32,500 employed Texans over the month.

“More than 200,000 people have joined the Texas workforce since May 2023, and we continue to lead the nation in year-over-year growth,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel in a statement.

• Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added 13,300 jobs, registering as the industry with the largest over-the-month increase.
• Leisure and Hopsitality added 6,900 jobs.
• Construction added 5,500 jobs in May and grew by 4.3 percent over the year — outpacing the national growth rate by 1.2 percentage points.

“Texas continues to outpace the nation in nearly all industries and continues to increase the number of employed Texans,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “With job opportunities increasing, students and job seekers have multiple resources to help navigate the job market and create a career pathway.”

The Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) with the lowest unemployment in May were led by Midland, which enjoyed a 2.4 percent in May, followed by the Amarillo MSA at 2.8 percent, and College Station-Bryan MSA at 3.0 percent.

“The Texas Workforce Commission strives to meet the evolving needs of both employers and their workforce through innovative programs like the Lone Star Workforce of the Future fund,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza. “With more than 40,000 jobs added in the state, I encourage Texas employers to utilize TWC resources to propel their workforce to new heights.”