Texas has added an estimated 287,000 seasonally adjusted jobs over the past year including a modest gain in April with the addition of 1,200 positions during the month. The state has experienced job gains in three of the first four months of 2015.
“Texas employers added jobs in seven of 11 major industries,†said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Andres Alcantar. “TWC and our 28 local workforce boards across the state remain focused on connecting the Texas workforce with jobs being created by employers.â€
The state unemployment rate remained steady at 4.2 percent in April, down a full percentage point from 5.2 percent a year ago. Texas continues to trend well below the national unemployment rate of 5.4 percent.
“We know that there are still folks who are looking for good-paying jobs in our state and we encourage them to take advantage of the many resources made available through Texas Workforce Solutions,†said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. “Through our Workforce Solutions offices around the state, staff that can help steer job seekers to employment and training opportunities. With more than 260,000 available jobs currently posted on WorkInTexas.com, job seekers have good options here in Texas.â€
Job gains for April were led by the Leisure and Hospitality industry, which added 6,900 positions. The Information industry enjoyed its largest monthly gain for the industry since June 2000 with the addition of 3,400 jobs in April. Other Services gained 2,800 jobs during the month followed by Trade, Transportation and Utilities, which expanded by 2,100 positions.
“The employers in Texas are strong and resilient and have a talented pool of workers to choose from,†said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Hope Andrade. “I encourage all of our employers to take advantage of the programs we offer through the Skills Development Fund to help them create jobs and train workers with the skills needed for today’s job market. More information on these programs is available at texasworkforce.org/skills.â€
For the second consecutive month, the Amarillo Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) boasted the lowest unemployment rate in the state with a 2.7 percent not seasonally adjusted rate in April. The Midland MSA had the second lowest rate for the month at 2.9 percent, followed by the Austin-Round Rock and Lubbock MSAs, each of which posted a rate of 3.0 percent.