Austin, December 12, 2025
Texas has topped the U.S. job growth chart, adding 168,000 nonfarm jobs in the past 12 months. With a labor force reaching 15.8 million and an unemployment rate at 4.1%, Texas continues to be a beacon of economic growth. Governor Greg Abbott has introduced over $14 million in training grants aimed at enhancing career-oriented education to prepare Texans for high-demand jobs. The state’s diverse economy and continued investments in workforce development further solidify its leadership in job creation.
Texas Leads Nation in Job Growth Over the Past Year
Austin, Texas – Texas has achieved the highest job growth in the nation over the past 12 months, adding 168,000 nonfarm jobs from September 2024 to September 2025. This growth outpaces the national annual job growth rate by 0.4 percentage points.
Record Employment Milestones
The state’s labor market has reached new historic highs:
- Labor Force: 15,879,000 individuals, marking the largest labor force in Texas history.
- Employment: 15,222,900 Texans employed, including self-employed individuals.
- Nonfarm Jobs: 14,343,800 positions, with an addition of 4,600 jobs over the month.
Unemployment Rate
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas remains steady at 4.1%, below the national rate of 4.4%.
Governor’s Initiatives
Governor Greg Abbott has announced over $14 million in Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) training grants to higher education institutions and independent school districts. These grants aim to support career and technical education programs, preparing students for high-demand, well-paying jobs upon graduation.
Background Context
Texas has consistently led the nation in job creation, with significant gains reported in previous years. For instance, in June 2025, the state added 198,300 nonfarm jobs, setting a new record for the number of Texans working and the size of the labor force.
The state’s diverse economy, favorable business climate, and strategic investments in workforce development have contributed to this sustained growth. Ongoing efforts to attract and retain businesses, along with initiatives to enhance education and training, continue to bolster Texas’s position as a leader in job creation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the current unemployment rate in Texas?
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas is 4.1%, which is below the national rate of 4.4%.
How many nonfarm jobs has Texas added over the past 12 months?
Texas has added 168,000 nonfarm jobs from September 2024 to September 2025, leading all states in job growth.
What initiatives has Governor Greg Abbott announced to support job growth?
Governor Abbott has announced over $14 million in Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) training grants to higher education institutions and independent school districts. These grants aim to support career and technical education programs, preparing students for high-demand, well-paying jobs upon graduation.
How does Texas’s job growth compare to the national rate?
Texas’s annual nonfarm job growth rate of 1.2% outpaces the national growth rate by 0.4 percentage points.
What factors have contributed to Texas’s sustained job growth?
Texas’s diverse economy, favorable business climate, and strategic investments in workforce development have contributed to sustained job growth. Ongoing efforts to attract and retain businesses, along with initiatives to enhance education and training, continue to bolster Texas’s position as a leader in job creation.
Key Features of Texas’s Job Growth
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Nonfarm Jobs Added | 168,000 over the past 12 months, leading all states in job growth. |
| Labor Force | 15,879,000 individuals, the largest in Texas history. |
| Employment | 15,222,900 Texans employed, including self-employed individuals. |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.1%, below the national rate of 4.4%. |
| Governor’s Initiatives | Over $14 million in Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) training grants to support career and technical education programs. |
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Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis 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 SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
