Governor Greg Abbott recently celebrated the strength of Texas’ economy following the release of November employment data showing Texas continues to lead the nation in annual jobs growth, adding more jobs over the last 12 months than any state in the nation.
Texas also again set three new record highs for total jobs, the number of Texans working, and the size of the Texas labor force.
“Texas dominates as America’s jobs engine, again adding more jobs over the last 12 months than any state in the nation,” said Governor Abbott. “I am proud that more Texans are working than ever before, thanks to employers who continue to invest and grow jobs here. Texas serves as a beacon of opportunity, proving that when given the freedom to aspire and the foundation to succeed, businesses flourish and people prosper. As we look to the new year, we will continue to work together and safeguard the promise of an even bigger, brighter Texas for generations to come.”
With previously released October data for total non-farm jobs revised up to 14,068,100, Texas has now experienced 33 months of uninterrupted job growth through November.
November employment data released by the Texas Workforce Commission and the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows: Texas reached a new historic high with the largest labor force ever in the state’s history at a record 15,192,900.
Texas reached a new historic high for Texans working, including self-employed, at 14,576,500.
Texas reached a new historic high for total jobs at 14,094,900 after adding 26,800 non-farm jobs in November.
Texas added the most jobs in the nation over the last 12 months, adding 407,100 jobs from November 2022 to November 2023 and growing at an annual rate of 3%, above the growth rate for the nation as a whole of 1.8%.
Earlier this month, Governor Abbott celebrated Texas’ continuing economic momentum as the Texas economy expanded faster than the nation as a whole for the fourth quarter in a row. Second quarter 2023 real GDP— the value of all goods and services produced—grew in Texas at an annual rate of 4.9%, well ahead of the United States which grew at 2.1%.
Texas’ labor market achieved a new record high as the state’s seasonally adjusted job count reached 14,094,900, an increase of 26,800 positions over the month of November. Lone Star State employment set new record high levels in each of the last 26 months and added 407,100 positions since November 2022, ranking No. 1 in the nation in over the year increase of seasonally adjusted non-farm jobs.
The Texas seasonally adjusted civilian labor force grew over the month by 30,800 people to reach 15,192,900 in November. This marked the 11th consecutive monthly increase and included the addition of 39,700 Texans employed. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held at 4.1 percent.
“Texas continues to lead the nation and break records for economic growth,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “With more than 26,000 positions added in November, TWC continues to connect job seekers and employers to keep Texas working.”
Statewide, eight of 11 major industries in Texas expanded over the month. Professional and Business Services saw significant growth with 9,900 jobs added while the Construction industry gained 9,200 jobs in November. Another 5,100 positions were added in Private Education and Health Services. Furthermore, six of the 11 major industries set new employment highs in November, including Construction, Financial Activities, Professional and Business Services, Private Education and Health Services, Leisure and Hospitality, and Government.
“Texas continues to outpace the nation in job growth as Texans take advantage of the many options available for their next career opportunity,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “TWC has various programs and services available to provide the right training and tools needed by job seekers to enter into a diverse range of highdemand occupations.”
The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) maintained the lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 2.2 percent in November, followed by the Amarillo MSA at 2.6 percent, and College Station-Bryan at 2.7 percent.
“The Texas labor market has continued to thrive month after month, and continues to lead the nation in many categories,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza. “As we head into 2024, the future looks bright for Texas employers across the state seeking to expand their business and tap into the state’s growing workforce.”
Employment estimates released by TWC are produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). *All estimates are subject to revision. To access this and more employment data, visit TexasLMI.com.