More Jobs Being Added Across Texas in May; Unemployment Rate Flat

The Texas Workforce Commission this morning released May employment statistics for the state.  Employers added 12,500 seasonally adjusted non-farm jobs in May.  May was the 22nd consecutive month the Texas economy added jobs.  The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the state remained at 6.9 percent in May. That is down from the 8.1 percent in May 2011 and it is below the national unemployment rate of 8.2 percent.

“The Texas economy expanded in May, as the private sector gained 15,300 positions. Over the past year, private sector employment in Texas has shown an encouraging 3.3 percent annual growth rate,” said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Andres Alcantar. “It is a positive sign that a number of Texas industries added jobs in May, led by Professional and Business Services with an increase of 8,500 jobs.”

The private sector added 287,800 jobs over the year in Texas. The Leisure and Hospitality industry gained 6,900 positions in May, adding 52,000 jobs over the last year, more than any other industry in Texas.

“A variety of industries are growing in Texas, including Construction, which added 2,400 jobs in May,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. “TWC is committed to connecting job seekers to the opportunities available in Texas’ labor market.”

Lubbock's unemployment rate rose 3 tenths of a percent to 5.3 percent.  Other regional unemployment rates include: Abilene, increasing 4 tenths of a percent to 5.7 percent, Amarillo at 4.8 percent, Midland at 3.8 percent, Odessa at 4.3 percent, San Angelo at 5.3 percent and Wichita Falls at 6.3 percent.