Jan. 24—In December 2022, Texas added 29,500 positions, reaching a total of 13,705,500 nonfarm jobs, according to the Texas Workforce Commission.

December marked the 14th consecutive record employment high in Texas, after the state first surpassed the pre-COVID level in November 2021. The Texas seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined for the first time in three months to 3.9% in December, logging the first month the rate fell below 4% since February 2020.

"Each month of record employment in Texas creates more opportunities for success for our workforce and employers alike," said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. "TWC is committed to providing the resources and programs needed to sustain this growth and keep the Texas economy thriving."

Education and health services led job growth in December with 12,700 positions added, followed by financial activities, which grew by 6,300 jobs. Manufacturing employment added 5,500 jobs over the month.

"Texas remains the best place to do business month after month thanks to the success and resilience of our Texas employers," said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson. "From lowering taxes for Texas employers, to supporting programs that meet the needs of our businesses, TWC is here to help support our economy's ongoing growth."

The Amarillo and Midland Metropolitan Statistical Areas recorded the lowest unemployment rates among Texas MSAs with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 2.6% each in December, followed by Austin-Round Rock at 2.7%, then College Station-Bryan at 2.8%.

'With more than 650,000 jobs added in the past year, career opportunities for Texans continue to grow," said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Albert Treviño. "TWC is here to support our state's growing workforce, and ensure Texas is the best place to live and work."

Employment estimates released by TWC are produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics. All estimates are subject to revision. To access this and more employment data, visit TexasLMI.com.

"Texas leads the nation in offering businesses the freedom to flourish and grow," said Governor Abbott. "Our skilled and growing workforce is a magnet for job creators. I am proud that we've again hit a new historic high for total jobs, putting even more Texans on the path to prosperity. We live in a state of infinite possibilities, and in the legislative session ahead, we will continue working together to keep Texas the land of opportunity."

Texas Workforce Commission is a state agency dedicated to helping Texas employers, workers, and communities prosper economically. For details on TWC and its services in coordination with its local workforce development boards network, call 512-463-8942 or visit https://twc.texas.gov/.