Texas kicked off the year with strong job growth, adding 51,300 nonfarm positions in January, according to figures from the Texas Workforce Commission.
The gains marked the largest monthly job growth in the state in more than two years, The Dallas Morning News reported.
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 4.8 percent in January.
“Texas employers and our talented workforce started 2017 on a high note,” said Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Andres Alcantar in a statement, according to the source.
Professional and business services added the most jobs of any industry in Texas in January, adding 14,000 jobs, a news release reported. Trade, transportation and utilities followed with 8,100 jobs added during the month. Manufacturing gained 7,300 positions.
Private sector jobs growth was strong overall, with TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Ruth Hughs noting that 45,900 of the 51,300 jobs added during the month were private-sector positions.
She also noted that as of January, over-the-year job gains for the state were 183,100.
“Texas employers continue to strengthen the job market by expanding employment and training opportunities,” she said, according to the news release.
