Texas set new employment records in July, continuing its streak as the nation’s economic powerhouse. According to the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), the state reached an all-time high in both total nonfarm jobs and the number of Texans employed.
Nonfarm jobs in Texas climbed to 14,333,800 after adding 8,700 positions in July. Over the past year, the state added 232,500 jobs, marking a 1.6% annual growth rate—outpacing the national average by 0.6%. The total number of Texans working, including the self-employed, rose to a record 15,213,700.
Governor Greg Abbott credited the achievement to Texas’ pro-business environment and the strength of its workforce. “Texas continues to see sustained job growth thanks to having the best business climate in America and the productivity of hardworking Texans,” Abbott said. He highlighted recent legislation expanding career training programs, alongside $1.6 million in new grants to support technical education in South Texas.
While Texas’ civilian labor force dipped slightly in July, decreasing by 1,400 people, the state still added nearly 196,000 workers over the past year. TWC Commissioner Alberto Treviño III emphasized the state’s resilience, saying the commission remains focused on providing Texans with access to skills and training for new opportunities.
Industry-specific growth was led by Trade, Transportation, and Utilities, which added 5,500 jobs. Professional and Business Services followed with 3,800 jobs, while Construction added 2,800 positions. The Construction sector grew 3.2% year-over-year, beating the national rate by 2%.
Texas’ unemployment rate stood at 4.2% in July, below the national average of 4.6%. Midland reported the lowest unemployment rate at 3.1%, followed by Amarillo and San Angelo at 3.2% each. The highest rates were in Eagle Pass (9.4%), Brownsville-Harlingen (7.3%), and McAllen-Edinburg-Mission (6.7%).
Texans impacted by July’s floods can apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance through the TWC until September 4.
