News Summary
Texas has experienced remarkable job growth, adding 232,500 new jobs over the past year. The total number of employed individuals has reached around 15.8 million, maintaining an unemployment rate of 4%. Despite facing challenges such as economic uncertainties and a dip in the construction sector, initiatives like the JET grants for technical education signify positive investment in the future workforce. With cities like Midland boasting an impressive 3% unemployment rate, the state’s economy continues to flourish, showcasing resilience and opportunity for all Texans.
Texas has achieved record job growth, with new data indicating a significant increase in employment over the past year. According to the latest figures from July, the state added 232,500 jobs in the last 12 months, surpassing the national job growth rate amid ongoing economic challenges. The state’s current overall labor force stands at approximately 15.85 million individuals, marking a consistent rise in Texas’s employment landscape.
The Texas economy continues to benefit from a favorable business environment, bolstered by the productivity and resilience of its workforce. Governor Greg Abbott has highlighted the critical role of training programs aimed at equipping Texans with the necessary skills to secure better job opportunities and enhance their earning potential.
Despite the robust employment figures, certain sectors within Texas are witnessing a decline. Recent data indicates a downturn in construction activity, with contract values plummeting by nearly 30% since January 2025. Residential construction has declined by 7%, while non-residential construction has experienced a more substantial drop of 25%.
Additionally, while the trade, transportation, and utilities sector added 8,400 jobs in May 2025, followed by the leisure and hospitality sector with 8,200 jobs, the overall job growth in Texas has shown signs of slowing. A report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas attributes this slowdown to trade tariffs and broader economic uncertainties affecting business operations.
The issue of skilled labor shortages persists in Texas, although interest in trade programs is on the rise, driven by the availability of high-paying job opportunities. This trend may mitigate some of the labor shortfalls in various industries as more individuals look to enter skilled trades.
Moreover, for residents impacted by the recent floods in July, applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) can be submitted online or via phone through the Texas Workforce Commission, with a deadline set for September 4, 2025 to apply.
In response to educational needs, Governor Abbott has announced over $1.6 million in Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants aimed at enhancing career and technical education specifically in South Texas, further supporting workforce development in the region.
As of May, Texas maintained a steady unemployment rate of 4.1%, slightly below the national average of 4.2%. Even with fluctuations, the labor force in Texas has experienced growth in 59 of the last 61 months, indicating a generally positive trend in employment opportunities across the state. In June, Texas reached a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 4%, down from the previous month.
In terms of local employment statistics, the Midland region reported the lowest unemployment rate in the state at 3%, showcasing a total nonfarm job count of 127,400. Conversely, Eagle Pass recorded the highest unemployment rate at 9.6%.
The labor market’s resilience and ongoing growth amidst national economic challenges affirm Texas’s position as a pivotal player in the American job landscape. While certain sectors face hurdles, the proactive measures in education and workforce training underscore the state’s commitment to fostering a competitive employment environment.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Fox 4 News: Texas Job Growth Slows
- Wikipedia: Texas
- Statesman: Texas Job Records
- Google Search: Texas Job Growth
- Hoodline: Texas Employment Hits Record High
- Google Scholar: Texas Economy
- Texas Border Business: Total Jobs Records
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Job Market
- East Texas Radio: Labor Market Adds Jobs
- Google News: Texas Economy
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
