The Texas Workforce Commission said Texas added 29,300 jobs in July. The information below is from a news release sent by the TWC Friday.
This is the 10th consecutive month that Texas experienced positive job growth. The most recent growth brings the total nonfarm jobs in Texas to 10,619,800.
Nonetheless, Texas' seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 8.4 percent in July, up slightly from 8.2 percent in June. This remains below the national unemployment rate of 9.1 percent.
"While nine of the 11 major industries registered employment gains over the month, Texas continues to feel the effects of a stagnant national economy as unemployment increased to 8.4 percent," said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Tom Pauken.
Employers in the Trade, Transportation, and Utilities industry added 15,300 jobs in July.
Since July 2010, that industry has expanded by 56,800 jobs for a 2.8 percent job growth.Professional and Business Services added 1,200 jobs in July, growing by 47,900 positions over the year. Jobs in Education and Health Services grew by 5,900 positions last month, adding 39,100 positions since July 2010. Employment in the Leisure and Hospitality industry climbed by 7,500 jobs over the month, having added 43,400 jobs in the last year.
"The good news for people coming to Texas is we're adding many different kinds of jobs," said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. "Because our economy is diverse, we've been able to continue offering opportunity to a diverse group of job seekers."
In July, the Manufacturing industry added 3,700 jobs, while Mining and Logging added another 3,700. The Mining and Logging industry has added 39,500 jobs since July 2010, growing 18.9 percent in Texas.
Although Government contracted by 9,400 positions in July, the private sector added 38,700 jobs. Over the year, the private sector has added 284,000 jobs while the Government sector has contracted by 14,500.
"The Texas labor market continues to make gains across most major industry sectors, bringing new employment opportunities to Texas job seekers," said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Andres Alcantar. "TWC and the 28 local workforce boards remain committed to delivering quality services to our customers."
The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area had the lowest July unemployment rate in the state at 5.1 percent. The Amarillo MSA came in second at 6.2 percent, and the Odessa MSA third at 6.8 percent (not seasonally adjusted).
