Texas Employers Added 29300 jobs unemployment rate up to 8.4 percent
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas Texas added 29300 jobs in July. This is the 10th consecutive month that Texas experienced positive job growth. The most recent growth brings the total nonfarm jobs in Texas to 10619800.
Nonetheless Texas seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 8.4 percent in July up slightly from 8.2 percent in June. This remains below the national unemployment rate of 9.1 percent.
While nine of the 11 major industries registered employment gains over the month Texas continues to feel the effects of a stagnant national economy as unemployment increased to 8.4 percent" said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Tom Pauken.
Employers in the Trade Transportation and Utilities industry added 15300 jobs in July. Since July 2010 that industry has expanded by 56800 jobs for a 2.8 percent job growth. Professional and Business Services added 1200 jobs in July growing by 47900 positions over the year. Jobs in Education and Health Services grew by 5900 positions last month adding 39100 positions since July 2010. Employment in the Leisure and Hospitality industry climbed by 7500 jobs over the month having added 43400 jobs in the last year.
The good news for people coming to Texas is were adding many different kinds of jobs" said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. Because our economy is diverse weve been able to continue offering opportunity to a diverse group of job seekers."
In July the Manufacturing industry added 3700 jobs while Mining and Logging added another 3700. The Mining and Logging industry has added 39500 jobs since July 2010 growing 18.9 percent in Texas.
Although Government contracted by 9400 positions in July the private sector added 38700 jobs. Over the year the private sector has added 284000 jobs while the Government sector has contracted by 14500.
The Texas labor market continues to make gains across most major industry sectors bringing new employment opportunities to Texas job seekers" said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Andres Alcantar. TWC and the 28 local workforce boards remain committed to delivering quality services to our customers."
The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area had the lowest July unemployment rate in the state at 5.1 percent. The Amarillo MSA came in second at 6.2 percent and the Odessa MSA third at 6.8 percent (not seasonally adjusted).
Audio downloads from TWC Chairman Tom Pauken on the latest labor market data are available at the following link:
http://www.twc.state.tx.us/news/press/2011/praudio11.html.
