Solid Employment Growth in July Leads to More Records in Texas

Texas Workforce Commission • August 22, 2023

Texas has more jobs, more people employed, and more people willing and able to work than ever before as growth continued in July. Total nonfarm employment increased by 26,300 positions over the month to reach a 22nd consecutive series-high level at 13,969,100 jobs and achieved 29 consecutive months of growth. Since July 2022, Lone Star State employment grew by 441,700 positions—again, leading the nation in number of jobs added over the year.


The number of employed persons also reached a new record high adding 34,800 people over the month to reach 14,464,700. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 4.1 percent in July. The Texas seasonally adjusted civilian labor force grew over the month to 15,078,400 in July.


“Texas leads the nation in sustainable job growth with more than 2.7 million positions added in the past decade,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “The Texas economy remains strong, and TWC will continue to provide support through tools and resources for job seekers and employers alike.”


Leisure and Hospitality lead job growth for all the major industries with 9,800 jobs added over the month. Manufacturing added 6,600 jobs, closely followed by Private Education and Health Services, which tacked on 6,400 positions. Texas’ annual employment growth through July 2023 was stronger than the national rate in all but one of the 11 major industries, Leisure and Hospitality. That industry already recovered in Texas while employment remains below the pre-COVID threshold nationally.


“Following a net increase of 26,300 jobs in July, all but 400 of those jobs were in the private sector, illustrating that the Lone Star State continues to be the most attractive state for business,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson. “It is important to continue encouraging that job growth by utilizing our programs at TWC that help Texas employers grow their business, like the Skills Development Fund and the Skills for Small Business grant program.”


The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) reached the lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 2.9 percent in July, followed by Amarillo 3.6 percent, then Austin-Round Rock, College Station-Bryan, and Odessa at 3.8 percent, each. The Midland MSA again had the largest over-the-year percentage increase in number of jobs in the nation, not seasonally adjusted, while Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington MSA had the second largest overall number of jobs added. 


“Our civilian labor force continues to grow as more and more people relocate to Texas and become a part of the strongest employment ecosystem,” said Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “TWC supports over 14.4 million working Texans by offering valuable services for training, job search and vocational rehabilitation support services.”


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.

The Texas Labor Market & Career Information Data for August is scheduled to be released on Friday, September 15, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. (CDT).

A table with a lot of numbers on it
A table of texas non agricultural wage and salary employment

Windows of Opportunity Regionwide Job Fair Returns April 28

By Workforce Solutions East Texas • April 1, 2026
Tuesday, April 28 | Athens, Longview, Marshall, Palestine, and Tyler

Dr. Robert Haberle Honored with Regional Shining Star Award

March 24, 2026
The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) has recognized Dr. Robert Haberle with the Regional Shining Star Award, a distinction reserved for individuals who go above and beyond in service to the region. Unlike traditional awards, the Regional Shining Star Award is not part of a public nomination process. It is presented only in rare cases when someone demonstrates exceptional, long-term commitment to ETCOG and its programs. Dr. Haberle’s 15 years of service make him a clear and deserving recipient. Dr. Haberle has served on the Workforce Solutions East Texas Board since 2011. During that time, he has played a key role in shaping workforce development efforts across the region. Workforce Solutions East Texas operates with an annual budget of more than $60 million, providing no-cost employment and recruitment services to businesses and job seekers. Over the past year alone, those efforts have supported more than 81,000 businesses and individuals. The program has awarded nearly $1 million in job training scholarships, helped thousands of unemployment claimants return to work, and provided child care assistance to more than 9,000 families. It has also invested millions into improving child care quality and supporting local providers. Dr. Haberle’s leadership has helped guide these efforts year after year, contributing to long-term impact across East Texas communities. Board members are appointed by local elected officials, and Dr. Haberle was appointed by Cherokee County Judge Chris Davis. Throughout his tenure, he has served in several leadership roles, including Chair of the Workforce Centers Committee, Vice Chairman, and Board Chairman. From October 2016 through September 2022, he served six years as Chairman. During that time, he helped strengthen collaboration between the Workforce Board and the CEO Board, ensuring alignment and shared leadership across the region. Even after his time as Chairman, Dr. Haberle has remained actively involved. He continues to lead the Workforce Centers Committee and has played an important role in the development of new workforce centers in Longview and Tyler. His service extends beyond East Texas. Dr. Haberle currently serves as Vice Chair of the Texas Association of Workforce Boards and represents the region at the national level through the National Association of Workforce Boards. Prior to his work in workforce development, Dr. Haberle served as Mayor of Jacksonville from 2005 to 2011. During that time, he also represented the city on the ETCOG General Board and contributed to regional efforts through the Texas Municipal League. Dr. Haberle’s leadership, service, and dedication have left a lasting impact on workforce development and regional collaboration in East Texas.  ETCOG proudly recognizes Dr. Robert Haberle as a Regional Shining Star Award recipient and thanks him for his continued commitment to the communities he serves.

Certified for Success: Shanae East's Rise to the Top

March 24, 2026
Since 2023, Shanae East faced significant challenges securing stable employment due to a legal barrier, all while balancing part-time work and receiving disability support. Despite these obstacles, she remained determined to build a better future for herself and her daughter. With support from Workforce Solutions East Texas, along with the WIOA and VRS programs, Shanae successfully completed her CCMA certification in 2024—gaining the skills needed to pursue a career in healthcare. When her work hours were reduced, Shanae filed for unemployment to help offset the loss of income. As part of her requirements, she attended the RESEA Orientation on October 7, 2025, where she received additional support and direction in her job search. During this time, she applied for a position with the University of Texas and, with continued encouragement and coaching from Workforce Solutions staff—including Cheryl—attended a local UT job fair. Her dedication paid off. Shanae interviewed for a CMA position and was offered a role with UT Vascular, successfully completing her RESEA reemployment goal on October 17, 2025. Reflecting on her experience, she shared, “The support given to me by the RESEA program helped me while I looked for work. I did the work, but they were there supporting me if I needed more help.” Throughout her journey, Shanae credits her Career Navigator, Cheryl Jackson, for providing consistent guidance, encouragement, and hands-on support. Shanae shared her appreciation for Cheryl’s role in helping her stay focused and confident, noting that her Navigator's assistance made a meaningful difference in navigating each step of the process. “The experience was humbling and gratifying. I experienced hope. I’m hopeful for the future. This has made me more ambitious and resilient in myself,” Shanae said. She now plans to continue her education to become a sonographer and encourages others facing similar challenges: “Don’t give up. Don’t underestimate your worth. Because someone will accept your worth.” Shanae’s journey highlights how Workforce Solutions East Texas programs, paired with dedicated support from staff like Cheryl Jackson, can turn barriers into opportunities and help individuals achieve meaningful, lasting career success.
Show More