Texas Adds 73,800 Jobs, Unemployment Steady at 4.3%

Resilient Texas Job Market Shows Industry-Specific Growth as Unemployment Remains Stable

Press Releases April 17, 2026 AUSTIN — The total number of nonfarm jobs in Texas registered at 14,354,600 after decreasing by 8,500 positions in February. Over the year, the state added 73,800 jobs for an annual nonfarm growth rate of 0.5 percent, outpacing the national growth rate by 0.4 percentage points.

Texas’ civilian labor force registered at 15,941,800 after decreasing by 13,400 over the month. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 121,200 people.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas remained stable at 4.3 percent.

“Texas’ over-the-year growth trajectory remains strong because we have cultivated a pro-business climate that helps employers grow and generate new opportunities for working Texans,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “The Texas Workforce Commission is investing strategically in programs that foster long-term economic prosperity across all regions of our state.”

The Professional and Business Services industry had the largest private sector over-the-month increase in February after adding 6,300 jobs. In addition, Manufacturing added 2,500 jobs over the month while Information added 200. Construction posted the highest annual growth rate of any major industry for the 19th month in a row at 2.7 percent in February.

“The addition of more than 121,000 people to the labor force over the year reinforces the need to make sure all Texans can participate in—and benefit from—our evolving economy,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “The Texas workforce system is addressing the needs of today while anticipating those of tomorrow through initiatives like Texas Intern Network, which connects young Texans with employers.”

The Midland metropolitan statistical area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.3 percent in February. It was followed by the San Angelo MSA at 3.5 percent and the Abilene MSA at 3.6 percent. “The foundations of the Texas economy are strong, and our employers and workers are resilient and adaptable,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett.

“It’s encouraging to see robust growth surging across key industries like Construction and Professional and Business Services, signaling that there is ample cause for optimism.”

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.

The Texas Labor Market Information Data for March is scheduled to be released on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. (CT).

Civilian Labor Force Estimates for Texas Metropolitan Statistical Areas Not Seasonally Adjusted (In Thousands)

Texas Nonagricultural Wage and Salary Employment Seasonally Adjusted

| INDUSTRY TITLE | Feb 2026* | Jan 2026 | Feb 2025 | Jan '26 to Feb '26 | | Feb '25 to Feb '26 | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Absolute Change | Percent Change | Absolute Change | Percent Change |
| Total Nonagricultural | 14,354,600 | 14,363,100 | 14,280,800 | -8,500 | -0.1 | 73,800 | 0.5 |
| Total Private | 12,223,600 | 12,232,800 | 12,150,800 | -9,200 | -0.1 | 72,800 | 0.6 |
| Goods Producing | 2,099,000 | 2,098,900 | 2,091,000 | 100 | 0.0 | 8,000 | 0.4 |
| Mining and Logging | 206,600 | 208,000 | 214,800 | -1,400 | -0.7 | -8,200 | -3.8 |
| Construction | 912,900 | 913,900 | 888,900 | -1,000 | -0.1 | 24,000 | 2.7 |
| Manufacturing | 979,500 | 977,000 | 987,300 | 2,500 | 0.3 | -7,800 | -0.8 |
| Service Providing | 12,255,600 | 12,264,200 | 12,189,800 | -8,600 | -0.1 | 65,800 | 0.5 |
| Trade, Transportation, and Utilities | 2,785,200 | 2,787,300 | 2,788,800 | -2,100 | -0.1 | -3,600 | -0.1 |
| Information | 217,400 | 217,200 | 224,400 | 200 | 0.1 | -7,000 | -3.1 |
| Financial Activities | 940,200 | 940,900 | 939,000 | -700 | -0.1 | 1,200 | 0.1 |
| Professional and Business Services | 2,144,600 | 2,138,300 | 2,112,900 | 6,300 | 0.3 | 31,700 | 1.5 |
| Private Education and Health Services | 2,002,900 | 2,009,000 | 1,974,500 | -6,100 | -0.3 | 28,400 | 1.4 |
| Leisure and Hospitality | 1,539,100 | 1,544,500 | 1,527,400 | -5,400 | -0.3 | 11,700 | 0.8 |
| Other Services | 495,200 | 496,700 | 492,800 | -1,500 | -0.3 | 2,400 | 0.5 |
| Government | 2,131,000 | 2,130,300 | 2,130,000 | 700 | 0.0 | 1,000 | 0.0 |

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Texas Workforce Commission is a state agency dedicated to helping Texas employers, workers, families, and communities prosper economically. For details on TWC and its services in coordination with its network of local workforce development boards, call 800-628-5115 or visit https://twc.texas.gov/. Subscribe to email updates to receive notifications about TWC programs and services.