Seasonal employment rises in Texas by 27,900 jobs

S e a s o n a l l y adjusted nonag r i c u l t u r a employment in Texas increased by 27,900 jobs in October, the second largest gain this year.

The Texas economy grew by 215,300 jobs over the last 12 months.

Texas employers now have added jobs for 25 consecutive months and 38 of the last 39 months.

A total of 704,400 jobs have been added since July 2003.

October's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained steady at 4.8 percent from September and is down from 5.4 percent in October 2005.

The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) experienced the lowest unemployment rate in the state at 3.4 percent (not seasonally adjusted).

The Amarillo MSA was second at 3.6 percent, followed by the Austin- Round Rock, College Station-Bryan and Lubbock MSAs at 3.7 percent.

"The Texas labor market continues to gain momentum, bringing more good news for employers and job seekers as we approach the end of the year," said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chair Diane Rath. "Jobs grew again this month, and the unemployment rate at 4.8 percent remains at its lowest point in five years."

The construction industry gained more ground in October, adding 9,000 jobs and contributing to 17 consecutive months of growth.

The industry has grown by 7.8 percent since October 2005, adding 44,800 jobs.

Leisure and hospitality grew by 8,700 jobs and manufacturing rose to its highest level in more than three years.

This month's gain in manufacturing of 4,000 jobs represents nearly half of the industry's 9,300 jobs added since October 2005.

"Texas employers again d e m o n s t r a t e d strong job growth in many areas of the state and many industries," said T W C C o m m i s s i o n e r R e p r e s e n t i n g Employers Ron Lehman. "Ten of 11 major industries had gains over the past 12 months, including growth of 7.8 percent in construction and 6.1 percent in natural resources and mining."

Natural resources and mining posted its fifth consecutive month of gains, with 900 jobs in October.

The industry's annual growth rate has climbed to 6.1 percent, bringing 10,400 jobs to Texas since October 2005.

"The labor market in Texas continues to grow more favorable for all Texans," said TWC C o m m i s s i o n e r Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. "This month, the number of workers in jobs reached a record level at 11,047,800."

Initial claims for unemployment compensation in October 2006 were 54,918, down 24 percent from October 2005, when hurricane-related claims jumped significantly.