AUSTIN — The Texas seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined to 8.0 percent in November, down from 8.3 percent a month ago, and continued to trend well below the U.S. seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for November at 10.0 percent. The Texas Civilian Labor Force reached its highest level ever at 12.1 million workers in November.

Total nonagricultural employment in Texas increased by 17,300 positions in November for a total of almost 70,000 jobs over the past two months, while the nation as a whole lost 122,000 jobs.

“Texas employers added a significant number of jobs in most industries during October and November,” said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Tom Pauken. “Job growth coupled with a lower unemployment rate indicate movement in a positive direction for Texas.”

During November, Mining and Logging employment increased by 5,100 jobs, Financial Activities employment rose by 4,700 jobs, and Professional and Business Services added 3,300 positions. Leisure and Hospitality employment increased by 4,800 positions in November.

“Job growth in the last two months has been encouraging, however we know many Texans still are out of work,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. “TWC and staff at the

28 workforce boards remain committed to serving Texas claimants with job-search assistance and training available to all job seekers.”
Education and Health Services employment grew by 4,600 jobs in November, marking 14 consecutive monthly employment gains in that industry.  Since November 2008, employment in Education and Health Services increased by 60,000 jobs, a 4.6 percent gain.

“Seven of 11 industries recorded job growth in November, most notably the consecutive months of job growth in Education and Health Services,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Andres Alcantar. “Texans searching for work can continue to find assistance at workforce centers across the state.”

The Amarillo Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) experienced the lowest unemployment rate in the state at 5.3 percent (not seasonally adjusted), followed by the Lubbock MSA with 5.4 percent, and the Midland MSA with 5.6 percent.

View December 2009 Labor Market Review here