Back on track, Texas jobs report again hits new record high for total jobs in May

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(The Center Square) – After several months of reporting job losses, Texas rebounded in May, reporting another new employment record. 

Texas hit a new record high last month with 14,419,200 total nonfarm jobs after a gain of 17,800 jobs in May. 

Over the year, Texas added 98,000 jobs for an annual growth rate of 0.7 percent, outpacing the national growth rate by 0.4 percent, according to new data published by the Texas Workforce Commission.

"Texas sets new records and powers America’s economy once again," Gov. Greg Abbott said in a statement. "We have a new all-time high of over 14.4 million nonfarm jobs and outpaced the nation’s growth rate for the year. This is just one of many economic factors that proves the success of our pro-business policies, regulatory environment, and the most skilled and determined workforce in the country. In Texas, freedom unleashes opportunity. With the talent, innovation and strong work ethic of our people, Texas will lead this nation’s economic future for generations to come."

The total number of Texans working, including the self-employed, totaled 15,213,400 in May. 

Texas’ civilian labor force totaled 15,901,600 after adding 6,800 people over the month. Over the year, 43,500 people were added, according to the data.

This is a reversal from the previous month. 

In April, Texas reported losses in the civilian sector, losing 21,800 workers over the month. Earlier in the year, in January and February the Texas oil and gas industry also reported job losses, The Center Square reported.

“The addition of more than 17,000 positions in May highlights the industriousness of Texas employers and expanding opportunities for Texas’ highly skilled workforce,” TWC Chairman Joe Esparza said. “Driven by our entrepreneurial spirit, Texas continues to outpace the nation in job growth, and TWC offers a wide variety of programs to maintain this momentum.”

The Trade, Transportation, and Utilities industry reported the largest private sector over-the-month increase in May, adding 7,100 jobs, according to TWC data. The Leisure and Hospitality industry added 3,900 jobs over the month; Mining and Logging added 3,800. The construction industry again posted the highest annual growth rate of any major industry for the 22nd consecutive month of 2.1 percent in May.

“As our labor force continues to experience positive over-the-year growth, we are ensuring Texas workers have more paths than ever to build rewarding careers,” TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III said in a statement. “TWC remains committed to increasing the availability of apprenticeships, internships, and skills training programs that prepare our workforce for the high-demand roles of the future.”

The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas was 4.3%, higher than the national rate of 4.1%. 

The same metropolitan statistical areas (MSA) reported the lowest and highest unemployment rates as in previous months. Their rates are also higher than they were in the previous month.

The Midland MSA reported the lowest not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.1%, followed by the Abilene and San Angelo MSAs’ 3.4%, although these numbers are up from the previous month

The MSAs reporting the highest unemployment rates were again Eagle Pass (8.6%), Brownsville-Harlingen (6.6%) and McAllen-Edinburg-Mission’s 6.1%.