Texas Unemployment Rate Falls to 6.4 Percent in August
AUSTIN — The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas fell to 6.4 percent in August, down from 6.5 percent in July, and from 6.8 percent a year ago. Texas’ unemployment rate remained below the national unemployment rate of 7.3 percent. Between August 2012 and August 2013, Texas has added 274,700 jobs.
An upward revision of July’s total nonfarm employment figures showed 36,800 jobs added. Total nonfarm employment in August decreased slightly by a net total of 6,400 jobs. Texas has added 26,600 jobs over the last three months.
“Every major industry in Texas showed positive annual job growth and Texas employers added 274,700 jobs over the year,” said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Andres Alcantar. “We encourage Texans to visit their local Workforce Solutions office to access the many job search tools available to them free of charge.”
Employers in Mining and Logging expanded their payrolls in August, adding 1,900 jobs to the industry, which has the highest annual growth rate among the major industries in Texas at 5.5 percent.
“A number of industries are showing strength in Texas, including Manufacturing, which grew by 2,600 jobs in August,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. “Individuals looking for work in Texas should visit WorkInTexas.com to find new opportunities in our state.”
Professional and Business Services added 2,900 jobs over the month. Over the year this industry has added 58,200 jobs for a 4.1 percent annual growth rate.
“Texans continued to find jobs in the Education and Health Services industry, which added 6,700 jobs in August for a total of 39,700 jobs since last year,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Hope Andrade. “Overall, the state’s private sector continued to grow at nearly 3.0 percent annually.”
The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the lowest August unemployment rate in the state at 3.2 percent. The Odessa MSA came in second at 3.9 percent and the Amarillo MSA third at 4.7 percent (not seasonally adjusted).
Audio downloads from TWC Chairman Andres Alcantar on the latest labor market data are available at: www.texasworkforce.org/news/press/2013/press-releases-2013.html#pressReleaseAudio.
