In 2024, Texas broke multiple employment records, leading the U.S. in job creation, The Center Square reported.

The Texas labor market broke records for having the greatest number of total jobs, the greatest number of Texans working, and the largest labor force in December, according to new employment data reported by the Texas Workforce Commission.

“Everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes creating good-paying jobs,” Gov. Greg Abbott said. “As we break record after record for total jobs, the number of Texans working, and our labor force, we begin the new year as America’s job creator. Jobs are growing here, businesses are growing here, the future is growing here. Texas partners with businesses to help them grow and succeed, providing career training for high-demand industries and cutting burdensome regulations. Working together, we will continue to lead the nation and build a brighter future for all Texans.”

Last month, Texas reached a new historic high by reporting the largest labor force in state history of 15,575,900.

Texas also reached a new historic high for the greatest number of Texans working, including the self-employed, of 14,922,200.

Texas also reported a new historic high for the greatest total nonfarm jobs of 14,318,700.

December marked the 12th consecutive month of growth for Texas’ civilian labor force, achieving the new record high and adding 445,300 jobs over the year, the TWC said.

Texas also added 284,200 nonfarm jobs over the year, representing an annual nonfarm growth rate of 2%, outpacing the national growth rate.

“This new record-high level for jobs and the civilian labor force shows the strength of Texas’ economy,” TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel said. “TWC will continue its efforts for continued economic growth by connecting job seekers with employers and providing job training for Texans.”

“Texas employers are creating jobs at a rate that outpaces the nation,” TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza said. “TWC offers a wide range of programs to meet the workforce needs of today and prepare Texans for projected job growth in the years ahead.”

The Professional and Business Services industry added the most jobs of 17,800, followed by Trade, Transportation, and Utilities adding 10,400 jobs and Leisure and Hospitality adding 3,700 over the month.

The Financial Activities sector grew by 3.6% over the year, outperforming the industry’s national growth rate by 3%, the TWC said.

Last year was also a record-breaking year for the Texas oil and natural gas industry across the board, including creating more jobs in the industry than in other states, The Center Square reported.

The Texas economy is “thriving in diverse sectors,” TWC Commissioner Representing Labor, Alberto Treviño III, said, encouraging job seekers to use TWC resources to find career opportunities that match their skills.

Since Abbott first took office in 2015, Texas has added more than 2.5 million jobs.

Last month, Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.1%, higher than the national rate, as it has been for years.

It’s not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.7% was lower than the national rate of 3.8%, according to the data.

The McAllen-Edinburg-Mission Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) reported the highest not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 6.2%, followed by Beaumont-Port Arthur’s 5.6%, and Brownsville-Harlingen’s 5.1%.

Midland MSA reported the lowest unemployment rate of 2.4%, followed by Amarillo’s 2.6% and College Station-Bryan’s 2.7%.