Texas Added 159,400 Jobs Over Past Year
The state saw nonfarm employment rise to over 14 million positions by August 2026.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Employment
Live Poll
Do you feel the local economy in your area is currently heading in the right direction?
Texas saw nonfarm employment grow by 159,400 positions between August 2025 and August 2026. The state recorded a 1.1 percent annual employment growth rate, bringing total nonfarm employment to 14,469,300.
Why it matters
The steady growth in nonfarm employment underscores the ongoing expansion of the Texas economy. Tracking these workforce trends provides insight into the state's capacity to absorb labor force increases and maintain a stable economic climate.
Texas added 159,400 nonfarm jobs over a 12-month period, with 5,600 positions added in August 2026 alone. The total Texas labor force reached 15,932,600 residents during this timeframe.
The players
Texas Workforce Commission
This state agency is responsible for overseeing workforce development programs and collecting employment statistics for Texas.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
This federal agency produces labor market data, including employment and unemployment statistics, for the United States.
The details
Growth was driven primarily by gains in Professional and Business Services, Leisure and Hospitality, and Construction. These sectors led the state as the total number of Texans working reached 15,225,100.
Timeline
August 2025 marked the beginning of the 12-month job growth reporting period.
August 2026 served as the end of the 12-month job growth reporting period.
Macro View
This data reflects the ongoing expansionary trend captured by the Texas Workforce Commission's monthly nonfarm employment growth report. The current figures mirror consistent growth patterns observed during previous annual economic cycles in the state.
The continued expansion of the labor market may signal increased job opportunities for residents across the state. These figures reflect broader employment stability that impacts local hiring demand and potential wage growth for the Texas workforce.
The takeaway
The sustained job growth indicates a robust economic environment capable of supporting a growing labor force. Residents can monitor these monthly reports to better understand the health of the state's hiring market.
Further reading
For more information on state workforce trends, visit Texas Employment.
Live Poll
Do you feel the local economy in your area is currently heading in the right direction?
