Texas Breaks Jobs Record

The State of Texas set a new record for job creation, with the addition of 36,400 jobs in September, according to data released by the Texas Workforce Commission. This brought the total number of jobs added by employers over a 12-month period to 413,700, the largest gain ever recorded in the Lone Star State.

Additionally, the civilian labor force population topped 13 million for the first time, with 13,005,600 employed, and the unemployment rate dropped to 5.2 percent in September from 5.3 percent in August. In September 2013, the rate was 6.3 percent.

“There’s never been a better time to look for new opportunities in Texas,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton.

Every major industry in Texas has shown positive annual growth in the last 12 months, and seven out of the 11 have grown at 3.0 percent or higher. For the month of September, Leisure and Hospitality led the way, with 9,300 jobs added.

“The Texas economy, from our employers across all major industries to our skilled and dedicated workers, continues to perform at a record pace,” said TWC Chairman Andres Alcantar. “With a record setting 413,700 jobs added over the year, and our labor force surpassing the 13 million milestone, our state shows how partnerships and a strong business climate fuel job growth for the people of Texas.”

The Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos region had a 4.3 percent unemployment rate in September 2014, down a full percentage point from September 2013 and down .4 from August 2014. Houston metro’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.9 percent in September from 5.4 percent in August. The Dallas-Fort Worth unemployment rate dropped to 5 percent from 5.5 percent in August.