Texas Unemployment Rate Down to 6.9 Percent
Texas employers add 13,200 jobs
AUSTIN — The Texas seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased in April to 6.9 percent, down from 7.0 percent in March and from 8.0 percent a year ago, continuing to trend well below the national unemployment rate of 8.1 percent. The Texas unemployment rate has decreased for eight consecutive months.
Texas employers added 13,200 seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs in April. Texas saw an increase of 225,800 jobs over the year.
“The Texas economy continues to add jobs, with 10 of 11 major industries growing over the past year,” said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Andres Alcantar. “The continued growth across industries is positive and we encourage employers and job seekers to take advantage of the services offered through our 28 local workforce boards across the state.”
Private sector employers in Texas added 12,200 jobs over the month, totaling 277,100 private sector job gains over the year for an annual growth rate of 3.2 percent.
“With more than 12.5 million workers and job seekers, Texas’ labor force is at an all-time high,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. “I am encouraged that our steadily improving labor market continues to offer good prospects for these hard-working Texans.”
Eight of the 11 major industries in Texas posted gains in April. The Construction industry led with the addition of 7,300 jobs. Jobs in Trade, Transportation, and Utilities expanded by 2,900 in April. The industry has added 42,300 jobs in Texas over the last year for an annual growth rate of 2.0 percent.
“Texas continues to perform well and enjoyed steady gains in the Goods-Producing industries,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Tom Pauken. “The Manufacturing industry is showing strong growth, with 6,300 jobs added in April and 25,400 over the last 12 months. Texas continues to be a great place to do business.”
The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the lowest April unemployment rate in the state at 3.5 percent. The Odessa MSA came in second at 4.0 percent, and the Amarillo MSA third at 4.4 percent (not seasonally adjusted).
Audio downloads from TWC Chairman Andres Alcantar on the latest labor market data are available at the following link: http://www.texasworkforce.org/news/press/2012/praudio12.html.