AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The Texas unemployment rate for May held steady at 4.1 percent, the Texas Workforce Commission reported Friday.
The latest statewide jobless figure was the same as April, while nationwide unemployment for May hit an 18-year low at 3.8 percent.
Midland had the lowest unemployment rate in Texas, at 2.1 percent. The McAllen-Edinburg-Mission area had the highest jobless rate in the state last month at 6.2 percent, according to the commission’s report .
The Texas economy added 34,700 seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs in May, which marked 23 consecutive months of employment growth. Over the year, Texas added 352,100 jobs, for an annual employment growth rate of 2.9 percent, according to labor officials.
“Private-sector employers have accounted for the addition of 346,300 positions in Texas over the past year as the state has continued to expand its workforce,” said Commissioner Ruth R. Hughs.
Private-sector employers added 34,300 positions over the month. The education and health services second added 8,100 positions over the month, and led all industries in job growth for May. Professional and business services added 4,300 jobs during May in Texas.
Texas unemployment figures for June are scheduled to be released on July 20.