High Employment Rate

Tyler Posted 95.4 Percent Employment Rate
Tyler posted a 95.4 percent employment rate for July, an increase of four-tenths of a percentage point over the July 2006 rate.The state's rate slipped three-tenths of a percentage point last month, according to a Texas Workforce Commission report on Friday.The Tyler area saw a net 700-job decrease as local school districts reduced their staffs for the summer, the TWC said. Professional and business services experienced a 100-job gain, and all remaining categories saw no change.The Tyler area has gained 200 jobs since January and 1,000 jobs since July 2006, the report said.Longview also saw an employment rate increase from 94.5 percent a year ago, to 95.3 percent in July. The area saw a net job loss of 400.Government decreased by 400 jobs, and manufacturing de-creased by 100 jobs, the report said. Trade, transportation and utilities gained 100 jobs.Longview has added 1,000 new jobs since January and 1,900 jobs since July 2006.Seasonally adjusted nonagricultural employment in Texas grew by 29,400 jobs in July, the third largest gain this year. The state's employment rate dipped from 95.9 percent in June to 95.6 percent, but was up significantly from 95.1 percent a year ago and higher than the national rate of 95.4 percent.The state's annual job growth rate is a strong 2.6 percent with Texas employers adding 265,900 jobs over the past 12 months."Texas employers continue to create jobs at an exceptional pace, reflecting the underlying strength of our state's economy," said TWC Chairwoman Diane Rath. "By outpacing the national job growth rate, Texas offers job seekers tremendous opportunities."Midland experienced the highest employment rate in the state, at 96.8 percent. McAllen-Edinburg-Mission saw the lowest, at 92.8 percent.