AUSTIN – The Texas labor market added 20,100 seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs in August. Over the year, employers expanded their payrolls by 395,200 total non-farm jobs.
The unemployment rate was 5.3 percent in August, up slightly from 5.1 percent in July. It remained below the national unemployment rate of 6.1 percent.
“Texas added 20,100 jobs in August, with the private sector showing steady monthly growth for well over four years,” said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Andres Alcantar. “We encourage Texas veterans to visit their local Workforce Solutions office to take advantage of the many tools and services that allow them to translate their military skills and experience into good-paying civilian jobs.”
Goods Producing industries in Texas accounted for a majority of the growth in August. Construction added 6,900 jobs over the month. Manufacturing employers added 1,800 jobs in August. Mining and Logging increased by 4,500 jobs, and notably grew by 9.1 percent over the last 12 months.
“We’re seeing growth in several service industries including Education and Health Services, which increased by 7,500 positions in August,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. “Texas boasts a quality skilled labor force, and I encourage those looking for new opportunities to visit WorkInTexas.com.”
Professional and Business Services industries led the way in jobs added over the month, expanding by 8,700 positions. Annual growth in this industry was up to 5.0 percent in August.
“Every major industry in Texas showed positive annual growth and Texas employers added 395,200 jobs over the year, achieving an annual growth rate of 3.5 percent,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Hope Andrade. “I commend Texas employers for continuing to grow their investments in the Lone Star State.”
