Texas Sets Annual Job Growth Record for 3rd Consecutive Month

Unemployment rate falls to 5.1 Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas  The private sector continued to drive growth in Texas adding 38900 jobs in October for a total of 387700 jobs over the last 12 months" said TWC Commissioner Hope Andrade (right.) In the last 12 months every major industry in Texas has shown positive annual growth with 7 out of 11 growing at or above 3.5 annually.   Over the last 12 months Texas added 421900 total nonfarm jobs setting a record for jobs added in Texas for the 3rd consecutive month. In September the Texas economy grew by a revised 414700 jobs over the year. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 5.1 in October down from 5.2 in September and down from 6.2 in October 2013. We have witnessed the Texas economy growing stronger and stronger over the last several years culminating in another record-breaking month" said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Andres Alcantar (left.) The diversity of our growing industries businesses and skilled workers has made for a prosperous Texas. Im proud of all of them for making the Lone Star State great." Eight of 11 major industries added jobs in Texas over the month led by Trade Transportation and Utilities with 17500 jobs added in October. This industry has added 102700 jobs over the year growing at a pace of 4.5.

It is great to see the continued job growth here in Texas along with the declining unemployment rate" said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton (right.) Clearly opportunities are there for the hard-working people of Texas including job seekers and I encourage them to visit texasworkforce.org to learn how to find them."

All three major Goods Producing industries in Texas showed positive growth in October. Employers added 1500 Manufacturing jobs while Construction grew by 9200 jobs. Mining and Logging which includes oil- and gas-related jobs grew by 4100 positions. Mining and Logging grew at a rate of 11.3 over the year faster than any other major industry in Texas. I applaud once again the employers who have helped bring such a culture of growth and innovation to Texas" said TWC Commissioner Andrade.

• The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the lowest October unemployment rate in the state at 2.5.
• The Odessa MSA came in second at 3.0 and
• The Amarillo MSA ranked third at 3.5 (not seasonally adjusted).

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 Tracer2.com.