Texas employment has hit unprecedented heights, with a record-breaking 15.9 million workers in the state’s labor force and 15.2 million Texans employed as of November 2025, marking the largest workforce in state history.
The milestone comes as Texas continues to outpace national job growth trends, with the state’s unemployment rate sitting at 4.2% — significantly below the national average of 4.6%. These numbers reflect a consistent pattern of economic expansion that state officials are eager to highlight.
“Texas offers boundless opportunities for hardworking Texans and innovative entrepreneurs to thrive,” Governor Greg Abbott stated in response to the November figures. “We see proof of that promise as more Texans are working than ever in the history of our great state.”
Consistent Growth Through 2025
The November milestone caps a year of steady gains. Texas added 7,300 nonfarm jobs in November alone, bringing the total to over 14.3 million positions. More impressively, the yearly gain of 146,300 jobs represents growth that outpaces the national rate by 0.4 percentage points.
This isn’t a sudden spike, either. The trend has been building throughout 2025. In September, the state added 4,600 jobs, while August saw a more robust addition of 17,600 positions. “The addition of more than 17,000 jobs in August highlights Texas’ reputation as the best state for doing business,” TWC Commissioner Joe Esparza remarked at the time.
What’s driving this persistent growth? Multiple factors seem to be at play, including Texas’s business-friendly regulatory environment, lack of state income tax, and strategic investments in key industries like energy, technology, and manufacturing.
Job Openings on the Rise
Perhaps most encouraging for job seekers is that opportunities continue to expand. Texas had approximately 600,000 job openings in August 2025, up from 566,000 in July, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“Texas’ job market and labor force continue to grow because we have a dynamic workforce system that fosters opportunity for businesses and workers alike,” TWC Chairman Joe Esparza explained in September.
The state’s diverse economy has helped insulate it from sector-specific downturns. While some states remain heavily dependent on single industries, Texas has developed strength across energy, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and logistics sectors.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Can this growth continue? Economic forecasts for 2026 suggest Texas will maintain its momentum, with projected job growth of 2.0-2.5% and unemployment expected to remain stable between 4.0% and 4.5%, according to economic projections.
Hiring is expected to be particularly strong in energy, construction, logistics, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing — sectors where Texas has traditionally held competitive advantages.
Still, challenges remain. The state continues to grapple with infrastructure demands from rapid population growth, and some rural areas haven’t benefited equally from the economic boom concentrated in major metropolitan areas.
Despite these hurdles, Governor Abbott remains bullish on the state’s economic trajectory. “Thanks to the strength of our economy and our skilled workforce, we continue to attract new business investments and spur job growth across dynamic and diverse industries,” he noted, adding with characteristic Texas confidence: “Texas is where the future is being built.”
