Texas continues to solidify its position as a national economic powerhouse, announcing in July 2025 new record-breaking figures for both total nonfarm jobs and the number of Texans employed. The latest labor market data reveals a thriving job market, with the state adding a significant number of positions and surpassing previous employment milestones.
State Achieves Record Employment and Job Growth
In July 2025, Texas reached an all-time high with 15,213,700 Texans working, including the self-employed. This historic number reflects the state’s dynamic and expanding economy. Concurrently, the total number of nonfarm jobs in Texas also set a new record, reaching 14,333,800 positions. The civilian labor force, representing the total number of employed and unemployed individuals seeking work, expanded to a record 15,848,800. Amidst this robust growth, the state’s unemployment rate remained steady at 4.0%, indicating a balanced labor market.
Over the preceding 12 months, from July 2024 to July 2025, Texas demonstrated remarkable job creation, adding an impressive 232,500 jobs. This annual job growth rate of 1.6% significantly outpaced the national average, underscoring Texas’s consistent ability to generate economic opportunities. This sustained performance has positioned Texas as the leading state in the U.S. for jobs added over the past year.
Governor Abbott Highlights Pro-Business Environment
Governor Greg Abbott celebrated these landmark achievements, attributing Texas’s economic success to its strong business climate and the diligence of its workforce. He emphasized that the state’s commitment to pro-growth policies, including efforts to slash regulatory burdens, invest in infrastructure, and expand career training programs, directly contributes to job creation and prosperity for Texas families. Governor Abbott stated that when businesses are empowered to succeed, jobs flourish, and Texans thrive.
The state’s business-friendly environment, characterized by no personal or corporate income tax, a predictable regulatory framework, and significant investments in workforce development and infrastructure, continues to attract and foster business growth. This has led to a substantial increase in new business entities, solidifying Texas’s reputation as a premier destination for investment and innovation.
Key Industries Driving Job Gains
The latest employment news indicates growth across various sectors. The Trade, Transportation, and Utilities industry led monthly gains by adding 5,500 jobs. Professional and Business Services also saw substantial growth, adding 3,800 jobs, while the Construction sector expanded by 2,800 jobs. Notably, the Construction industry’s annual growth rate of 3.2% in Texas outperformed the national industry growth rate by two percentage points. Professional and Business Services stands out as a rapidly growing sector, with a significant portion of these jobs paying above the Texas median wage, and strong future projections for job creation in computer and mathematical occupations.
Investing in Future Workforce
In line with its commitment to developing a skilled workforce, Texas continues to invest in educational initiatives. Recently, over $1.6 million in Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants were announced to support career and technical education (CTE) programs. These grants are designed to help educational institutions purchase and install equipment essential for training students for high-demand occupations, such as nurses, mechanics, and truck drivers. This initiative aims to equip more than 540 students with the skills needed to succeed in critical industries, thereby supporting the state’s growing economy and ensuring young Texans have the tools to compete in the modern job market.
A Bright Economic Outlook
The series of new employment records signifies the enduring strength and resilience of the Texas economy. With a continued focus on fostering business growth and investing in its workforce, Texas is well-positioned to maintain its trajectory of economic expansion and job creation in the coming years. The state’s ability to consistently outpace national job growth rates highlights its dynamic economic landscape and its ongoing appeal to businesses and workers alike.
