DFW Added Second-Most Jobs in Texas in July, as State Posts 29th Straight Month of Jobs Growth

The jobs picture in Texas continued to be strong in July, according to the Texas Workforce Commission, which said the total nonfarm employment increased by 26,300 positions over the month, reaching a 22nd consecutive series-high level at 13,969,100 jobs. July marked the 29 consecutive month of job growth for the Lone Star State.

The Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area also continued to show job growth, the report said, posting the second largest overall number of jobs added in Texas for the month.

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

Since July 2022, employment in Texas grew by 441,700 positions—leading the nation in the number of jobs added over the year.

The TWC said the number of employed individuals 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 TWC said.

The Texas seasonally adjusted civilian labor force grew over the month to 15,078,400 in July.

Leisure and Hospitality sector takes the lead

TWC said that Leisure and Hospitality led 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.

The state’s 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.

‘The most attractive state for business’

“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,” TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson said in a statement. “It’s 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 TWC said that the Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area reached the lowest unemployment rate among Texas metro areas with a non-seasonally adjusted rate of 2.9% in July, followed by Amarillo 3.6 percent, then Austin-Round Rock, College Station-Bryan, and Odessa at 3.8%, each.

According to the TWC, the Midland metro area again had the largest over-the-year percentage increase in number of jobs in the nation, not seasonally adjusted.

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