The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

AUSTIN — The Texas economy added 17,800 seasonally adjusted non-farm jobs in July, marking two years of continuous monthly job growth in Texas. Since last year, the Texas economy has added 222,500 total non-farm jobs. Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 7.2 percent in July, up from 7.0 percent in June, down from 8.1 percent a year ago.

“I am pleased that our state’s economy has been able to show consistent growth across a variety of industries in recent years,” said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Andres Alcantar. “Over the last two years, the Texas economy has added 457,700 total nonfarm jobs. I encourage those seeking employment to visit WorkInTexas.com to seize the opportunities that are being created here.”

The Education and Health Services industry grew more than any other major industry in Texas, adding 12,600 jobs in July. The industry has added 45,200 jobs over the year for a 3.2 percent annual growth rate.

“The Texas labor market continues to offer a wide variety of opportunities to the state’s growing labor force, which now stands at 12.6 million workers and job seekers,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. “Our state holds the best promise of finding a job and achieving success. Unemployment is down in Texas over the year, and it’s good to see that the Manufacturing industry has grown by more than 19,000 jobs over the last year.”

Employers in Professional and Business Services reported 8,500 positions added in July. This industry has expanded by 48,800 jobs since July 2011, for a 3.7 percent growth rate.

In July, the Texas private sector gained 9,100 positions. Nine out of 10 private industries in Texas have reported positive gains since July 2011.

“It’s no secret that Texas’ sustained growth over the last two years has come from the strength of our private sector, which has grown by 258,500 jobs over the past year,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Tom Pauken. “Private sector employment in Texas has grown by 3.0 percent over the past year, compared to just 1.8 percent growth nationally.”

The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the lowest July unemployment rate in the state at 4.2 percent. The Odessa MSA came in second at 4.9 percent, and the Amarillo MSA third at 5.5 percent (not seasonally adjusted).

Audio downloads from TWC Chairman Andres Alcantar on the latest labor market data are available at the following link: http://www.texasworkforce.org/news/press/2012/praudio12.html.