Texas Adds More Than 154,000 Jobs Over Past Year

AUSTIN, TX — Gov. Greg Abbott announced Monday that Texas employers added 154,300 nonfarm jobs over the past 12 months, with the state's annual job growth rate exceeding the national average.

According to September labor market data from the Texas Workforce Commission, Texas recorded an annual job growth rate of 1.1%, outpacing the national rate by 0.8 percentage points.

“Texas is where opportunity knows no bounds,” Abbott said. “With the best business climate and strongest workforce in America, Texas grows jobs faster than the nation as a whole and wages have risen to an all-time high. Texas truly is the best place to live, work, build a business, and raise a family.”

Texas had 14,461,300 nonfarm jobs in September, an increase of 154,300 positions compared with the same period last year.

The number of employed Texans, including self-employed workers, reached 15,246,400, while the state's civilian labor force totaled 15,948,400.

The labor force increased by 15,800 people from the previous month, according to the commission.

Manufacturing recorded the largest monthly employment increase in September, adding 4,700 jobs. Government services experienced the largest decline during the same period.

Texas' private sector added 160,400 jobs over the past 12 months.

Since Abbott took office, Texas has gained more than 2.6 million jobs, according to the governor's office.

Average weekly wages in Texas also reached an all-time high during the first quarter of 2026, based on the most recent available labor market information.

The employment report follows Abbott's announcement of more than $20 million in Jobs and Education for Texans career training grants awarded to schools across the state.

The grants are intended to support workforce training programs and help prepare students for careers in high-demand industries.

Additional information about Texas employment trends and labor market statistics is available through the Texas Workforce Commission.