Texas sets new milestones with largest labor force and job growth in 2024

Austin, Texas – Texas Gov. Abbott celebrated 2024 as a year of record-breaking employment as the state shattered records for employment and job creation. November job reports revealed that Texas led the nation in job growth over the past year, setting unprecedented highs for the number of Texans employed and the size of its labor force for the eleventh consecutive month.

“The No. 1 economy in America is built by Texans,” Governor Abbott said. “Texas leads the nation in annual job creation and more Texans are working than ever before as we break record after record for total employment. With the Best Business Climate in the nation and a strong and growing workforce, Texas is where the future is building.”

Unparalleled Employment Milestones

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), November 2024 data highlighted several significant achievements:

• Largest Labor Force in History: Texas set a record with 15,536,100 individuals in the labor force.
• High Number of Texans Employed: A record-breaking 14,884,600 Texans were employed, including self-employed workers.
• Nation-Leading Job Growth: Texas added 274,300 nonfarm jobs from November 2023 to November 2024, outpacing every other state in job creation. The state’s annual job growth rate also exceeded the national average.
• Sustained Growth Under Abbott’s Leadership: More than 2.4 million jobs have been added since Governor Abbott took office.

Driving Economic Opportunity

Governor Abbott emphasized Texas’ commitment to fostering economic growth through targeted initiatives. To sustain the state’s record-breaking job growth and economic expansion, Abbott outlined plans to reduce unnecessary government regulations and streamline efficiency for businesses.

Earlier this month, Governor Abbott launched the Small Business Freedom Council to review government processes and identify ways to eliminate overregulation. He also directed state agency leaders to propose measures for cutting redundant regulations. Additionally, Abbott and legislative leaders have committed to stabilizing minimum unemployment insurance rates, enabling businesses to reinvest in their operations and employees.

Building the Workforce of Tomorrow

Governor Abbott highlighted the importance of equipping Texans with the skills required for high-demand, well-paying jobs. “To drive continuing job creation and expand economic opportunity for more Texas families,” he said, “we will end burdensome overregulation, empower businesses of all sizes, and equip more Texans with the skills needed for the good-paying, high-demand jobs of tomorrow.”

As Texas closes out a historic year of job creation and economic achievement, the state continues to solidify its position as the economic engine of the nation, setting the stage for further growth and opportunity in 2025.