US job growth slows, long‑term unemployment nears two million

The U.S. labor market added 57,000 non‑farm jobs in June, extending a four‑month payroll streak but recording the weakest monthly gain in the series. The unemployment rate held at 4.2%, while the share of long‑term unemployed (27.3% of the jobless) rose to roughly two million, a level not seen in five years. Revisions reduced prior months’ payroll totals by a combined 74,000 jobs, and most new positions were in lower‑wage sectors.

In Texas, non‑farm employment increased by 43,400 jobs in June, bringing the state’s total labor force to 14.47 million and the civilian labor force to 15.90 million. Over the past year the state added 177,900 jobs, outpacing the national growth rate, and its unemployment rate stood at 4.4%. The Professional and Business Services sector led private‑sector gains, while Leisure and Hospitality added 10,300 jobs. Texas' labor market performance highlights regional resilience amid the broader national slowdown.