Texas adds 56,600 more jobs, unemployment rate falls to 5.4% in October
AUSTIN — Texas continued to report a drop in its unemployment rate in October, with the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate at 5.4%, and added 56,600 total nonagricultural jobs over the month, the Texas Workforce Commission reported Nov. 19.
The 5.4% unemployment rate represents a decrease of 0.2 percentage points from September 2021. With its strong recovery from the pandemic, Texas has made gains in total nonagricultural jobs over the month for 17 of the past 18 months. Texas added a total of 661,300 jobs since October 2020, TWC reported.
“Data shows workforce is the No. 1 issue for business executives looking to expand or relocate in Texas,” said Robert Allen, President and CEO of the Texas Economic Development Corporation. “Texas has the second largest workforce in the nation, and the state’s partners in education are building strong workforce development programs to maintain a robust workforce now and in the future.”
Texas continues to have excellent prospects for job-seekers, said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel.
“Our labor market numbers continue to signal that Texas has jobs for those looking to take the next step in their career,” he said. “TWC is committed to helping Texans and our businesses succeed, from pursuing roles in high-demand middle skills fields to training and recruiting resources to make our state the best place to live and work.”
In October, the Professional and Business Services industry gained 21,900 jobs over the month. Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added 15,000 positions. Other Services, which includes the repair and maintenance sector as well as membership associations and organizations, added 9,100 jobs.
The Amarillo Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) recorded October’s lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.3%, followed by the Austin-Round Rock MSA at 3.4% and College Station-Bryan at 3.7%.
Employment estimates released by TWC are produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. All estimates are subject to revision. To access this and more employment data, visit TexasLMI.com.