Texas Workforce Commission Releases April Employment Stats

Texas Workforce Commission reports that it added 32,500 jobs in April 2010. Texas total nonagricultural employment grew for the fourth consecutive month gaining 32,500 jobs in April. Texas employers have added 79,000 jobs since the beginning of 2010. The Texas seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose slightly to 8.3 percent in April, up from 8.2 percent in March, and continued to trend well below the U.S. seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for April of 9.9 percent. The Texas Civilian Labor Force grew by another 51,000 workers in April. More Texans are employed than ever before at 11.2 million workers.

“The employment results were mixed in Texas for the month of April. While the unemployment rate in our state increased from 8.2 percent to 8.3 percent, we did experience job growth in a number of industries,” said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Tom Pauken. “Texas had employment gains in such sectors as Construction, Mining and Logging along with Manufacturing.”

Construction employment displayed impressive growth in April with an increase of 10,600 jobs. Mining and Logging grew for the third consecutive month with 2,800 jobs added in April. Manufacturing employment increased by 700 jobs in April.

“The Texas labor force is expanding at a record pace, and there is stiff competition for all these new jobs,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. “Texans searching for work can look to TWC for assistance at workforce centers across the state and on WorkInTexas.com.”

Education and Health Services employment recorded gains of 14,800 positions in April for a total of 65,400 jobs over the past year. Employment in Professional and Business Services increased for the fourth month in a row, gaining 7,900 jobs in April. Other Services employment grew by 7,500 jobs and Financial Activities added 500 jobs in April.

“Texas employers added jobs in eight of 11 industries in April, offering opportunities to a diverse pool of job seekers,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Andres Alcantar. “TWC and the 28 workforce boards are committed to connecting Texas workers with available jobs.”

The Amarillo and Midland Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) were tied for the lowest unemployment rate in the state at 5.6 percent. College Station-Bryan and Lubbock MSAs also tied for the second lowest unemployment rate in April at 5.9 percent, followed by Abilene at 6.3 percent (not seasonally adjusted).