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The transition into spring brings clear momentum to our regional economy, with the local labor market showing a strong burst of hiring activity. As we look at the changing dynamics across our 26-county region, the data reveals a healthy rebound in workforce participation alongside a steady drop in unemployment.
This update breaks down our latest workforce shifts, local city and regional metrics, real-time wage trends, and key sector changes. By looking closely at these numbers, local businesses can better understand the current talent landscape and navigate an active, highly competitive hiring environment.
Regional Labor Market Analysis
The Panhandle Workforce Development Area reported continued improvement in April 2026, with the unemployment rate moving down to 3.2%, from 3.4% in March. The region remains below the Texas rate of 4.0%, reflecting steady conditions across the local labor market.
The labor force expanded in April after a decline in March. The region added 3,070 workers to the labor force, while employment increased by 3,429 jobs. This resulted in 359 fewer unemployed residents over the month.
 Compared to April 2025, labor force levels are nearly unchanged. The increase in participation this month suggests more workers are entering or reentering the labor market as hiring activity continues across the region.
Amarillo (City) Labor Market Highlights
Amarillo recorded another month of improvement in April 2026, with the unemployment rate falling to 3.3%, down from 3.5% in March. The city remains below the statewide unemployment rate of 4.0%.
The labor force increased by 376 workers, while employment rose by 561 jobs. The number of unemployed residents declined by 185 compared to March.
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Unemployment Rate: Decreased to 3.3% in April 2026, down from 3.5% in March.
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Labor Force: Increased to 105,678, representing a monthly gain of 376 workers.
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Employment: Total city employment reached 102,218, an increase of 561 jobs over the month.
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Market Context: While current unemployment remains above the 2.7% reported in April 2025, the month-over-month improvement indicates continued labor market stabilization and sustained employer hiring activity.
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Panhandle WDA Labor Market Highlights
Across the 26-county region, conditions improved again in April. The unemployment rate fell to 3.2%, down from 3.4% in March, and remains below statewide and national levels.
The labor force increased by 3,070 workers, reaching 216,125. Employment rose by 3,429 jobs, bringing total employment to 209,271. This reduced unemployment by 359 individuals over the month.
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Unemployment Rate: Decreased to 3.2% in April 2026, down from 3.4% in March.
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Labor Force: Increased to 216,125, essentially unchanged from April 2025 levels.
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Employment: Total regional employment reached 209,271, an increase of 3,429 jobs over the month.
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Market Context: Although unemployment remains slightly above the 2.8% reported one year ago, April’s gains indicate stronger labor force participation and continued hiring momentum across the regional economy.
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Texas Labor Market Highlights
Texas labor market conditions improved in April 2026, with the unemployment rate falling to 4.0%, down from 4.1% in March.
The state added 15,741 workers to the labor force and increased employment by 31,982 jobs. The number of unemployed Texans declined by 16,241 compared to March.
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Unemployment Rate: Decreased to 4.0% in April 2026, down from 4.1% in March.
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Labor Force: Increased to 15,867,910, though still slightly below April 2025 levels.
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Employment: Total state employment reached 15,235,151, representing a monthly gain of 31,982 jobs.
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Market Context: While statewide unemployment remains above the 3.7% recorded in April 2025, Texas continues to demonstrate steady job growth and broad labor market stability entering the summer hiring season.
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Area Wage Insights
Wages in the Panhandle continue to rise. In Q4 2025, the average hourly wage reached $31.15, up from $28.70 in Q3 2025 and $29.63 in Q4 2024.
Texas wages also increased, reaching $38.73, up from $36.10 in Q3 2025 and $37.20 one year earlier. The gap between regional and state wages remains, but both continue moving upward.
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WDA Average Hourly Wage: Increased to $31.15 in Q4 2025, up from $28.70 in Q3 2025
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Texas Average Hourly Wage: Increased to $38.73 in Q4 2025, up from $36.10 in Q3 2025
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Year-over-Year Growth (WDA): Up from $29.63 in Q4 2024 to $31.15 in Q4 2025
Wage increases continue across most industries, driven by ongoing competition for available workers.
 Contact the Business Services Team at businessservices@wspanhandle.com for occupation-specific wage data.
Panhandle WDA Employment by Industry
The Q4 2025 data shows a steady industry mix across the Panhandle WDA with movement concentrated in a few sectors.
Education and Health Services grew the most over the quarter, increasing by 5.0%, and continues to hold the largest share of total employment. Natural Resources and Mining and Manufacturing also posted small gains, showing continued strength in those sectors.
Several service-related industries declined over the quarter. Leisure and Hospitality, Financial Activities, and Other Services all posted decreases, along with a slight drop in Professional and Business Services and Construction. These shifts are consistent with normal seasonal changes and adjustments in demand.
Looking at the year-over-year comparison, employment remains higher in Mining, Construction, Public Administration, and Healthcare, while most other sectors are either flat or slightly lower.
MSA Rankings - April 2026
Amarillo MSA remains among the stronger unemployment markets in Texas, ranking #5 out of 27 MSAs with an unemployment rate of 3.2%. This places the region in the upper tier statewide, tied with Lubbock and ahead of several larger metro areas, including Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos (3.4%) and Dallas-Plano-Irving (3.8%).
In monthly job growth, Amarillo is positioned at #4 statewide, with 0.5% growth and 700 jobs added. This level of monthly expansion places the area alongside several major metros, including San Antonio-New Braunfels, Odessa, and Texarkana.
April's annual job growth shows a weaker position relative to other Texas MSAs. Amarillo ranks #24 with a decline of 0.5% and a loss of 700 jobs year-over-year, placing it near the lower end of statewide performance for long-term growth.
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Unemployment Rate: Ranked #5 in Texas at 3.2%
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Monthly Job Growth: Ranked #4 with 0.5% growth and 700 jobs added
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Annual Job Growth: Ranked #24 with -0.5% growth and 700 jobs lost
Amarillo continues to maintain a strong unemployment position relative to most Texas metros, while longer-term job growth remains mixed compared to other regions in the state.
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WorkInTexas.com
Looking for a better way to find your next hire? WorkInTexas.com is here for you. This free tool connects you with qualified job seekers in your area. Posting jobs is easy, and our Employment Services team is ready to assist you every step of the way. Give us a call at (806) 372-5521 to get started today!
Resources for Employers
Take advantage of our recruitment and training services to address staffing needs. Learn more about hiring incentives, upskilling programs, and other workforce resources by visiting our website.
For more information or assistance, contact Workforce Solutions Panhandle today.
Dear Texas Panhandle Employer,
The We Hire Vets program recognizes Texas employers who demonstrate a strong commitment to hiring veterans.
Does your company employ veterans? If at least 10% of your employees are veterans, your business is eligible to receive a We Hire Vets storefront decal and a digital badge for your website.
If you have previously received this recognition, please re-enroll for 2025 to maintain your participation.
Sign up today and be recognized at the next Texas Workforce Commission’s Texas Conference for Employers.
To get started, contact Anthony at 806-282-1146 or email him at anthony.torres@twc.texas.gov. Provide the following details:
- Nominator Name
- Email Address
- Phone Number
- Cell Number
- Employer Name
- Address
- TWC Tax Account Number
- Total number of employees in Texas
- Total number of employees in Texas who are veterans
- Percentage of veterans working for the employer in Texas
- Point of Contact Name
- Point of Contact Email Address
- Point of Contact Phone Number
Explore the list of other participating employers here:
We Hire Vets Participants.
We appreciate your support and look forward to recognizing your organization’s commitment to hiring veterans.
Thank you,
Workforce Solutions Panhandle
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Questions? Contact Us
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Shannon L. Rowell
Business Services Representative
Workforce Solutions Panhandle
(806) 350-1660
srowell@wspanhandle.com
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