AUSTIN — Total nonagricultural employment in Texas increased by 41,700 positions in October with significant increases in Professional and Business Services and Education and Health Services.

The Texas seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose slightly to 8.3 percent in October, up from 8.2 percent a month ago, and continued to trend well below the U.S. seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 10.2 percent.

“In October, the Texas job market regained some lost ground experienced over the past several months, although it is too soon to indicate a trend,” said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Tom Pauken. “The Texas unemployment rate continued to edge upward as our state continues to feel the effects of the national economic downturn.”

Education and Health Services employment grew in October with the addition of 14,900 jobs, and Professional and Business Services added 10,800 positions in October. Employment in the Financial Activities industry increased by 4,500 jobs in October.

“Reports of job gains in October are good news, and certainly better than the alternative, but we remain concerned about the many Texans who still cannot find work,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. “We want to encourage those seeking work to take advantage of the job-search and training services available at our workforce centers across Texas.”

Employment in the Leisure and Hospitality industry was up in October by 2,600 jobs, while Trade, Transportation and Utilities reported an increase of 2,500 positions in October. Construction employment continued to experience job losses with a decrease of 9,400 jobs last month.

“We are encouraged by increased employment reports across most industries in October specifically in the service providing sector which includes health care, business and finance,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Andres Alcantar. “TWC and the 28 local workforce development boards remain determined to help out-of-work Texans find jobs.”

Unemployment dropped in the Bryan-College Station Metro area from 6.5 % in September to 6.0 % in October. However, last year at this time, unemployment was at 4.0 %. Only Midlland, Lubbock & Amarillo have better employment rates than the local area for October hovering between 5.4 and 5.8 percent for the month.