Texas continues to break job growth records month after month, with April no exception as the state saw its job growth rate triple that of the U.S. Last month, the Texas labor market reached record highs with the greatest number of filled jobs, employed Texans, and civilian labor force in state history.
In March, Texas also set records with the Houston area adding the second-largest number of nonfarm jobs in the country. This marks the 37th consecutive month of positive annual job growth, with Texas adding 42,600 non-farm jobs in April, leading the nation in job growth over the past year.
From April 2023 to April 2024, Texas added 306,000 jobs, the most of any state in the country. The state also saw a new high in the number of people employed, including the self-employed, at 14,623,300. Additionally, Texas reached a new high in seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment at 14,159,000 and in the civilian labor force at 15,226,800.
Governor Greg Abbott praised Texas’ job growth, attributing it to the state’s skilled workforce and business-friendly climate. He highlighted the importance of job creation for Texas families and emphasized the state’s commitment to education, infrastructure, and workforce development.
TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel noted that employers across industries are adding jobs in Texas, with Private Education and Health Services, Trade, Transportation, and Utilities, and Professional and Business Services leading in job growth. All Metropolitan Statistical Areas in the state reported declines in unemployment rates, with Midland, Amarillo, and College Station-Bryan MSAs among the lowest.
TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza stated that the addition of 42,600 jobs in April is a sign of the state’s strong economy, with TWC offering programs to support employers in upskilling their workforce and filling in-demand occupations.