Texas loses 46,100 jobs in February

AUSTIN - The Texas Workforce Commission just released its latest job loss data for the Lone Star State. While, fewer jobs were lost in February than in January, Texas still took a hard hit with 46,100 jobs nonagricultural jobs lost in the shortest month of the year. Texas’ unemployment rate is now at 6.5 percent, while the national average has climbed to 8.1 percent.

“Texans are facing tough economic times now with significant statewide job losses,” said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Tom Pauken in the press release. “However, the Texas unemployment rate remains far below that of other large states and the nation as a whole.” With January and February’s job losses combined, Texas has lost 102,000 jobs in 2009. However, due to growth in some areas, the net job loss over the last 12 months is 62,600.

If you are looking for a job, there are certain areas in the state with employment potential, the most progressive industries being healthcare and education.

-Education and Health Services added 14,700 jobs in February, with a net gain of 58,600 positions in the past year

-Mining and Logging created 1,600 jobs in February, making a total of 15,700 added jobs in the past year

The industries that often have the most lucrative payout, however, are the ones getting hit the hardest.

-Professional and Business Services lost 27,000 jobs in February

-Construction lost 15,500 jobs

The Comptroller’s office has predicted Texas will lose 110,000 jobs in the first ten months of the year. The Dallas Federal Reserve predicts that number will be around 300,000.