Texas’ private sector continued to grow in August, with 8,100 jobs added.
Texas’ total nonfarm employment was up over the year for a total gain of 253,200 nonfarm jobs, despite declining by 1,300 jobs in August. This most recent annual growth brings total nonfarm jobs in Texas to 10,615,000. Texas has experienced positive annual job growth in the past 16 months, with annual growth rates above 2.0 percent for the last three consecutive months.

Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 8.5 percent in August, up slightly from 8.4 percent in July, and below the national unemployment rate of 9.1 percent.

“Texas continues to feel the pressures of a stagnant national economy,” said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Tom Pauken. “Private sector gains were offset by Government losses of 9,400 jobs in August, including 11,500 jobs lost in Local Government.”

Following a revised increase of 3,300 jobs in July, Education and Health Services added 9,600 jobs in August.  The industry has added 42,100 jobs since August 2010. The Trade, Transportation, and Utilities industry lost 4,600 jobs in August, but added 49,600 jobs over the year. Professional and Business Services added 4,200 jobs in August, growing by 49,100 positions over the year, for an annual job growth rate of 3.8 percent. Jobs in Manufacturing grew by 1,200 positions last month, adding 20,700 positions since August 2010.

“Although we saw some government job losses this month, Texas continues to be a great place to find work,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. “We encourage those who are looking for work to use the many tools and services offered by TWC to find the right fit for them.”

Six of the 11 major industries in Texas gained jobs in August, and all but two continued to show gains over the year. The private sector in Texas has added 272,200 jobs during the same time period.

“TWC stands ready to connect workers with available jobs and since January, we’ve added 144,000 jobs in Texas,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Andres Alcantar. “The Texas labor force, which now stands at nearly 12.3 million individuals, is evidence of Texas’ growth, and our 28 local workforce boards are committed to providing the best job-search assistance and services needed to get Texans back to work.”

The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the lowest August unemployment rate in the state at 4.8 percent. The Amarillo MSA came in second at 5.9 percent, and the Odessa MSA third at 6.5 percent (not seasonally adjusted).