Trade, Transportation, and Utilities industry led Texas job growth
Texas added jobs in Sept., but not in the oil and gas sector, which is down 9 per cent over 2014, according to new statistics from the Texas Workforce Commission.
The state added 26,600 nonfarm seasonally adjusted jobs as it rebounded from a revised decrease of 3,400 jobs in August, for the seventh month of job growth in 2015. Over the year, Texas employers have increased their payrolls by 224,800 positions since September of 2014.
“With the Texas economy continuing to generate a steady growth of jobs, our employers and jobseekers have a definite competitive advantage when seeking the many opportunities available in our Lone Star State,” said TWC Chairman Andres Alcantar.
“Such opportunities are reflected across the diverse mix of industries that have created 224,800 jobs over the past year.”
Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate ticked up to 4.2 per cent in Sept. from 4.1 per cent in Aug. The state continues to trend well below the national unemployment rate of 5.1 per cent.
“Texas employers added jobs in eight of 11 industries in Sept., offering opportunities to a diverse pool of job seekers,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. “TWC and the 28 local workforce boards are committed to connecting Texas workers with available jobs.”
The Trade, Transportation, and Utilities industry expanded by 11,400 positions in September, leading job growth among all industries.
The Education and Health Services industry added 10,900 jobs.
Increases were also seen in Construction, Manufacturing, Information, Financial Activities, Professional and Business Services, and Leisure and Hospitality.
“Private-sector employment was strong in September with our Texas employers outpacing the overall job growth, adding 31,200 jobs,” said TWC Commissioner Rep. Employers Ruth Hughs. “It’s no coincidence that businesses continue to make Texas their choice for growth and expansion.”
The Amarillo Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) recorded the month’s lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.1 percent.
The Midland MSA and the Austin-Round Rock MSA each posted a rate of 3.3 per cent in September.