Midland/Odessa Unemployment Rate Improves in July

July unemployment rates fell once again in Midland and Odessa.

According to the Midland Reporter-Telegram, Midland's unemployment rate dropped from 6.7% in June to 6% in July while Odessa's unemployment fell from 9.7% in June to 8.7% in July.

That was a lot better than the July 2020 unemployment rate in the area which was 11.6% in Midland and 15.5% in Odessa.

“We’re definitely trending in the right direction,” said Willie Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of the Texas Workforce Commission’s Workforce Solutions Permian Basin.

Taylor also said the improvement in the labor market is making things a lot better for the area.

“It’s been a slow process but we’re gaining back our confidence. Drilling activity is up and we have people requesting training, whether it’s CDL or health care, education, linemen, automotive and diesel technology.”

He said this job market is a job-seekers' market and if you have a particular skill, then employers are looking for skilled positions.

He also is saying that wages are expected to rise as companies are looking to attract workers with a higher starting salary.

Across the state, the statewide unemployment rate fell from 6.5% in June to 6.2% in July with the state adding 80,900 jobs and making gains in 14 of the last 15 months.

Texas has added 714,800 jobs since July of last year.

Amarillo has the lowest unemployment in the state at 4%, Austin/Round Rock were second lowest at 4.2%, Sherman-Denison was third at 4.6% and the highest numbers in the state go to McAllen/Edinburg/Mission which are sitting at 10%.

So overall the state is bouncing back from this time last year.