Texas outpaces national job growth rate in April, setting a new record

(The Center Square) – Every month, Texas breaks its previous job growth records. April was no different with Texas’ job growth rate tripling the U.S. rate.

Last month, the Texas labor market once again set record-high levels for the greatest number of filled jobs, the greatest number of employed Texans, and the largest civilian labor force in state history.

In March, Texas broke the same records, with the Houston area adding the second-largest number of nonfarm jobs in the country, The Center Square reported.

April marked the 37th consecutive month of positive annual job growth, the Texas Workforce Commission said, with growth in 46 of the last 48 months.

Texas added 42,600 non-farm jobs in April, again leading the nation in jobs added over the past 12 months.

Over the year, Texas added 306,000 jobs from April 2023 to April 2024, the most jobs of any state in the country.

Last month, Texas reached a new high for the greatest number of people employed, including the self-employed, of 14,623,300.

Texas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment increased to 14,159,000, also reaching a new high in April.

Last month, Texas’ seasonally adjusted civilian labor force grew to a new high of 15,226,800, the largest labor force in the state history.

“Texas grew jobs at three times the rate of the U.S. in April thanks to the strength of our skilled and growing workforce and the best business climate in the nation,” Gov. Greg Abbott said. “Despite economic pressures at the national level, Texas employers are innovating, adapting, and growing in diverse industries across our great state.

“Of all the top rankings for Texas, one matters most: More Texans are working than ever before, and that means more opportunity for more Texas families to prosper. With continuing, critical investments in education, infrastructure, and workforce development, we are working together to build a bigger, better Texas for decades to come.”

TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel said the Lone Star State was continuing “to set economic records as employers add jobs across industries,” highlighting industries that added the greatest number of jobs. They include Private Education and Health Services adding 12,000 jobs, reporting the largest over-the-month increase. Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added 9,800 jobs; Professional and Business Services added 7,600 jobs over the month in April.

All Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA) in the state reported unemployment rate declines, TWC notes. The Midland MSA reported the lowest not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.2% followed by Amarillo and College Station-Bryan MSAs’ 2.6% each.

“The addition of 42,600 jobs over the month of April is a sign that the Texas economy remains strong,” TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza. “As more businesses look to expand or launch in Texas, TWC can support employers with programs to upskill their workforce and fill in-demand occupations.”