Job openings in Texas reached an all-time high in February at 932,000, far exceeding unemployment (about 635,000 at present). While that’s beneficial for those looking for work, it’s presenting notable challenges. Businesses unable to fill positions are often forced to respond by reducing operating hours or even closing locations, and the economy is functioning at less-than-optimal efficiency.
For perspective, prior to COVID-19, the number of job openings across the state had never topped 623,000 and was generally well below that level. In February 2020, just before the pandemic, there were 534,000 openings. With the ensuing disruptions, openings dropped as low as 302,000 (April 2020) before beginning to rise.
By the end of 2020, they were back in pre-pandemic ranges. As the Texas economy continued to gain momentum through 2021, the number of open positions started trending toward 900,000 or even higher.
