The Austin area reversed its recent job losses in February--actually adding 6,000 jobs during the month and dropping the local unemployment rate a tenth of a point to 6.3 percent.

Total non-farm jobs in the region stood at 773,100 in February, up from 767,100 in January, the latest report from the Texas Workforce Commission shows. Over the last year, the local area added 1,300 positions.

For the month, job gains were most significant in the sectors of government (up 3,100 positions); education and health services (up 2,200 positions); and leisure and hospitality (up 1,500 positions). The only sector to show a major drop in jobs was trade, transportation and utilities, which lost 1,900 jobs over the month.

Statewide job totals dropped by 46,100 positions in February. Over the last year, the state has experienced a net loss of 62,600 jobs.

The state's unadjusted unemployment rate dropped to 6.6 percent compared with 6.8 percent a month earlier.

"Texans are facing tough economic times now with significant statewide job losses," said Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Tom Pauken. "However, the Texas unemployment rate remains far below that of other large states and the nation as a whole."

The national unadjusted unemployment rate rose from 8.5 percent in January to 8.9 percent in February.The Austin area reversed its recent job losses in February--actually adding 6,000 jobs during the month and dropping the local unemployment rate a tenth of a point to 6.3 percent.

Total non-farm jobs in the region stood at 773,100 in February, up from 767,100 in January, the latest report from the Texas Workforce Commission shows. Over the last year, the local area added 1,300 positions.

For the month, job gains were most significant in the sectors of government (up 3,100 positions); education and health services (up 2,200 positions); and leisure and hospitality (up 1,500 positions). The only sector to show a major drop in jobs was trade, transportation and utilities, which lost 1,900 jobs over the month.

Statewide job totals dropped by 46,100 positions in February. Over the last year, the state has experienced a net loss of 62,600 jobs.

The state's unadjusted unemployment rate dropped to 6.6 percent compared with 6.8 percent a month earlier.

"Texans are facing tough economic times now with significant statewide job losses," said Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Tom Pauken. "However, the Texas unemployment rate remains far below that of other large states and the nation as a whole."

The national unadjusted unemployment rate rose from 8.5 percent in January to 8.9 percent in February.

From the Austin Business Journal