Texas added 5,600 nonfarm jobs in August, bringing total employment in the state to 14,469,300 jobs, according to the Texas Workforce Commission.
The state added 159,400 jobs over the year, representing an annual growth rate of 1.1%, 0.7 percentage points above the national rate.
Texas’ civilian labor force grew by 17,100 people in August to 15,932,600. The labor force has increased by 10,900 people over the past year.
The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.4% in August.
“The addition of more than 159,000 jobs over the year reinforces Texas’ status as a premier destination for employers and a source of ample opportunity for Texas workers. The gains we are seeing across service-based and goods-producing industries highlight how Texas is successfully balancing growth across the entire economic spectrum,” TWC Chairman Joe Esparza said.
Leisure and hospitality recorded the largest private-sector increase for the month, adding 4,900 jobs. Professional and business services added 4,500 jobs, while manufacturing added 2,200.
Among Texas metropolitan statistical areas, Midland recorded the state’s lowest unemployment rate in August at 3.3%. The rate was not seasonally adjusted.
San Angelo followed at 3.6%, while Abilene and Amarillo each recorded unemployment rates of 3.7%.
Employment estimates released by TWC are produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics and are subject to revision.
Texas labor market data for September is scheduled to be released Oct. 16.