Unemployment continues decline as rate falls to 4.4 percent in January
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas The Texas job market began 2015 with continued positive momentum in job growth as seen in 2014. The state added 20100 seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs in January for a total increase of 392900 jobs over the year. The states seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 4.4 percent in January down from 4.6 percent in December 2014.
We are pleased to see that the growth of jobs in our state is continuing" said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Andres Alcantar. Texas employers added 20100 jobs including growth in nine of 11 major industries in January which is a great testament to the strength and resilience of our economy and labor market."
The Trade Transportation and Utilities industry showed the greatest gains in January with 10900 jobs added for a total increase of 79100 jobs over the year.
The diversity of skills found in the Texas workforce has contributed greatly to the strength of the Texas economy" said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. As jobs are added Texas has skilled workers to fill them and resources available for workers to obtain new skills when needed. I encourage all job seekers to look for available positions through TWCs online job-matching resource WorkInTexas.com and to take advantage of the many services and training resources available through their local Workforce Solutions office."
Other major industries that made notable job gains in January included Professional and Business Services with 4800 positions added; Information which grew by 3600 jobs; and Leisure and Hospitality which added 1800 jobs.
This latest labor market data indicates that our state is approaching the 12 million jobs milestone with 11769600 jobs now in Texas" said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Hope Andrade. Employers continue to propel Texas on a path paved with growth and innovation."
The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the lowest January unemployment rate in the state at 2.6 percent. The Odessa MSA and the Amarillo MSA followed each at 3.3 percent (not seasonally adjusted).
Audio downloads from Commissioner Alcantar on the latest labor market data are available at:
http://texasworkforce.org/news/press/2015/press-releases-2015.html#pressReleaseAudio. Employment estimates released by TWC are produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labors Bureau of Labor Statistics. All estimates are subject to revision. To access this and more employment data visit
www.tracer2.com.
