"Hiring in the Professional and Business Services industry expanded in February, as employers added 14,500 jobs – that's a total gain of 51,200 positions from a year ago," said Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Tom Pauken. "Businesses in this industry include temporary help services and employment placement agencies, as well as law offices and tax preparation services."

Trade, transportation and utilities grew for the third month in a row, adding 7,500 jobs in February.

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Mining and logging expanded for the fourth consecutive month, adding 5,400 jobs in February and 29,800 jobs since last year - this industry has added jobs in 15 of the last 16 months.

"While the decrease in our unemployment rate is good news for Texans, many people are still looking for jobs in our state," said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton.

Leisure and hospitality added 3,400 jobs in February and 22,200 positions over the year, while education and health services hiked 2,300 jobs in February and increased 47,100 jobs over the year.

The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area had the lowest February unemployment rate in the state at 4.8 percent. The Amarillo MSA had the second lowest unemployment rate in February at 5.5 percent, followed by the Lubbock MSA at 6.1 percent (not seasonally adjusted).

"Texas has demonstrated positive monthly growth in 12 out of the last 14 months over a broad range of industries," said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Andres Alcantar. "That's encouraging for our state's growing and diverse labor force, which reached more than 12.2 million workers in February."

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