(The Center Square ) – Month after month, Texas employers and employees keep breaking jobs records. September was no different.
Last month, Texas’ labor market achieved new record highs – again – reporting the greatest number of total jobs, the greatest number of Texans working, and the largest labor force in state history.
“Texas stands as a model for the nation: jobs are growing here, families are growing here, and opportunity is growing here,” Gov. Greg Abbott said. “By unleashing the power of entrepreneurs and innovators and training Texans for high-demand, good-paying jobs, Texas will long remain the best state for job creation in the nation. … More Texans are working than ever before in the history of our great state, and we will continue to expand that job growth through our business-friendly policies, low taxes, and strategic investments in innovation and education.”
In September, Texas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment increased to 14,289,900, after adding 29,200 non-farm jobs last month, according to new Texas Workforce Commission labor data.
Texas’ annual nonfarm growth rate of 2.3% continues to outpace the national growth rate by 0.7%, according to the data.
Last month, Texas reached a new high for the greatest number of people working, including the self-employed, totaling 14,819,800.
In September, Texas’ seasonally adjusted civilian labor force reached a new record-high of 15,449,900 after adding 51,500 workers over the month.
This marks the ninth consecutive month of growth for Texas’ civilian labor force and the largest labor force in the state’s history.
“The record-setting 15.4 million Texans who make up our civilian labor force are strengthening and innovating our state’s economy,” TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III said. “As our labor force continues to grow, TWC programs will continue to help all Texans secure meaningful employment and build brighter futures.”
Over the year, Texas added 327,400 jobs from September 2023 to September 2024, including an additional 318,500 civilian workers.
Texas has added more than 2.4 million jobs since Abbott’s been in office.
Of the sectors that added the most jobs, Professional and Business Services added 10,500 last month representing the industry with the largest over-the-month increase. Private Education and Health Services added 10,400 jobs over the month and Construction added 8,100 jobs, according to the data. Construction reported 5.1% growth over the year, outpacing the industry’s national growth rate by 2.1%.
“Industries across the state are growing as even more employers recognize Texas as the best state to do business,” TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza said. “From recruitment and training to customized workforce solutions, TWC offers a comprehensive variety of services to empower employers and encourage success.”
Texas not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.1% last month, higher than the national rate of 3.9%.
The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) reported the lowest not seasonally adjusted rate of 2.6% in September, followed by Amarillo MSA’s 3% and College Station-Bryan MSA’s 3.2%.
MSAs reporting the highest unemployment rates were Beaumont-Port Arthur’s 6%, McAllen-Edinburgh’s 5.9%, and Brownsville-Harlingen’s 5.3%.