Texas unemployment rate down to 7.0 percent
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas Texas added 10900 jobs in March marking the 20th consecutive month of growth in the states total nonfarm employment which now stands at 10741700 positions. Texas added 245700 jobs over the year for an annual job growth rate of 2.3 percent. Private sector employers in Texas added 8000 jobs over the month totaling 300600 private sector job gains over the year for an annual growth rate of 3.5 percent.
The states seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 7.0 percent in March marking the seventh consecutive month of decline. Marchs unemployment rate was down from 7.1 percent in February and from 8.0 percent a year ago. Texas unemployment rate is significantly below the national unemployment rate of 8.2 percent.
The Texas economy continues to show strength" said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Tom Pauken. Weve remained below the national unemployment rate for 63 straight months and Texas continues to show private sector job growth."
Eight of the 11 major industries in Texas added jobs over the month. Leisure and Hospitality led the way with the addition of 6000 jobs. Over the past year this industry has added 49900 jobs for an annual growth rate of 4.8 percent.
The prospects for Texas job seekers continue to improve" said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. We encourage those still searching for employment or affected by layoffs to contact a local Workforce Solutions Office to take full advantage of the services they offer."
Texas Manufacturing industry added 2900 jobs in March for a total of 23700 jobs gained over the year and an annual growth rate of 2.9 percent.
Employment in Mining and Logging rose by 2000 jobs in March continuing that industrys expansion over the last 29 months" said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Andres Alcantar. TWC stands ready to assist job seekers in capitalizing on the opportunities available across our diverse industries."
The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the lowest March unemployment rate in the state at 3.7 percent. The Odessa MSA came in second at 4.4 percent and the Amarillo MSA third at 4.8 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.texasworkforce.org/news/press/2012/praudio12.html <http://www.texasworkforce.org/news/press/2012/praudio12.html> .
