AUSTIN, Texas — Texas added 46,800 nonfarm jobs in March, bringing total employment to more than 14.4 million, according to data released Friday by the Texas Workforce Commission.
State officials said the job gains outpaced the national growth rate by 0.6 percentage points. Over the past year, Texas added 117,200 jobs, reflecting an annual nonfarm growth rate of 0.8%.
The state’s civilian labor force totaled 15,916,600 in March after a monthly decline of 25,200 workers. Year over year, the labor force increased by 82,200 people, according to the commission.
Among industries, Professional and Business Services recorded the largest private-sector gain in March with 14,900 jobs added. Trade, Transportation, and Utilities followed with 13,500 new jobs, while Leisure and Hospitality added 6,800 positions. The Construction sector posted the highest annual growth rate among major industries at 2.4%, marking its 20th consecutive month leading in year-over-year growth.
At the local level, the Midland metropolitan statistical area recorded the lowest unemployment rate in the state at 3.0% in March on a not seasonally adjusted basis. The Abilene, College Station-Bryan, and San Angelo metro areas each posted unemployment rates of 3.2%.
TWC Chairman Joe Esparza said small businesses contributed significantly to job growth across the state, citing approximately 3.5 million small businesses operating in Texas.
Gov. Greg Abbott said the state’s workforce and economic policies continue to support job creation and business growth.
