AUSTIN — The Texas economy added jobs for the 22nd consecutive month as employers added 12,500 seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs in May. Since last year, Texas employers have added 237,100 seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs. The annual growth rate for Texas was 2.3 percent in May and has been at or above 2.0 percent since December 2011. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas remained at 6.9 percent in May, down from 8.1 percent a year ago. It remains well below the national unemployment rate of 8.2 percent.
"The Texas economy expanded in May, as the private sector gained 15,300 positions. Over the past year, private sector employment in Texas has shown an encouraging 3.3 percent annual growth rate," said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Andres Alcantar. "It is a positive sign that a number of Texas industries added jobs in May, led by Professional and Business Services with an increase of 8,500 jobs."
The private sector added 287,800 jobs over the year in Texas. The Leisure and Hospitality industry gained 6,900 positions in May, adding 52,000 jobs over the last year, more than any other industry in Texas.
"A variety of industries are growing in Texas, including Construction, which added 2,400 jobs in May," said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. "TWC is committed to connecting job seekers to the opportunities available in Texas' labor market."
Jobs in Trade, Transportation, and Utilities also posted positive gains as the industry grew by 3,500 jobs in May, and has added jobs in nine of the past 12 months. Trade, Transportation, and Utilities has seen an increase of 50,000 jobs over the last year for an annual growth rate of 2.4 percent.
"It is good to see Texas' private employers continuing to add to their payrolls," said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Tom Pauken. "Texas' economy continues to stand out, as our unemployment rate remains below the national unemployment rate for the 65th consecutive month."
The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the lowest May unemployment rate in the state at 3.8 percent. The Odessa MSA came in second at 4.3 percent, and the Amarillo MSA third at 4.8 percent (not seasonally adjusted).
