Texas employers add 27,900 jobs in February

March 30, 2012, 3:00 pm by Phil Schoch

?AUSTIN ?Texas? seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 7.1 percent in February, marking the sixth consecutive month of decline, according to the Texas Workforce Commission.

February?s unemployment rate was down from 7.3 percent in January, and from 8.0 percent in February 2011. Texas? unemployment rate is more than a full percentage point below the national unemployment rate of 8.3 percent and has remained below the national unemployment rate for 62 consecutive months.

Texas added 27,900 nonfarm jobs in February for a total of 273,900 jobs added since February 2011. Private employers added 15,100 jobs over the month, totaling 331,800 private sector jobs added over the year.

"Texas? job growth over the past year points to a steady and sustained expansion of our state?s economy,? said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Tom Pauken. "Texas has experienced positive annual job growth for the last 22 months, and that?s because Texas continues to be a great place to work and do business.?

The Manufacturing industry in Texas gained 24,400 jobs over the year, for an annual growth rate of 3.0 percent. Construction grew by 4,500 jobs over the month, totaling 8,100 jobs added over the past year.

"Eight of the 11 major industries in Texas added jobs in February, indicating that many different skill sets are in demand,? said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. "Job seekers can access thousands of these opportunities by registering on WorkInTexas.com.?

Employment in Education and Health Services grew by 3,800 positions in February, marking the 19th consecutive month of positive over-the-month growth. With an annual growth rate of 3.5 percent, this industry has added 49,500 jobs over the past year.

"Texas employers continued to add jobs in February, with Trade, Transportation, and Utilities adding 8,300 jobs for a total gain of 68,300 jobs over the past year,? said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Andres Alcantar. "TWC and our local boards remain focused on providing quality services to Texas employers and job seekers.?

The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the lowest February unemployment rate in the state at 3.8 percent. The Odessa MSA came in second at 4.5 percent, and the Amarillo MSA third at 5.0 percent (not seasonally adjusted).

Audio downloads from TWC Chairman Tom Pauken on the latest labor market data are available at the following link: http://www.twc.state.tx.us/news/press/2012/praudio12.html.

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