Austin, Texas, February 3, 2026
Texas has set new records for employment, reaching unprecedented levels in total jobs and the labor force. The state added 132,500 nonfarm jobs in one year and has the largest labor force in its history. Governor Abbott credits pro-growth economic policies for this success, which has led to ongoing job creation across various sectors. The unemployment rate stands at 4.3%, below the national average, demonstrating a robust economic performance. Projections indicate further job growth in the coming years.
Texas Achieves Record High Employment Levels
Austin, Texas – In December 2025, Texas reached unprecedented employment milestones, setting new records for total jobs, the number of working Texans, and the size of the labor force. The state added 132,500 nonfarm jobs from December 2024 to December 2025, leading the nation in job creation and surpassing the national annual job growth rate by half a percentage point.
Key Employment Figures
- Labor Force: 15,964,000 individuals, the largest in Texas history.
- Texans Working: 15,283,600, including self-employed workers.
- Total Nonfarm Jobs: 14,341,000, after adding 19,700 positions over the month.
- Unemployment Rate: 4.3%, below the national rate of 4.4%.
Governor’s Statement
Governor Greg Abbott attributed these achievements to Texas’s pro-growth economic policies and a skilled, growing workforce. He emphasized that the state’s business-friendly environment continues to attract job-creating businesses across various industries.
Historical Context
Over the past year, Texas has consistently led the nation in job creation. In November 2025, the state added 146,300 jobs, outpacing the national annual job growth rate by 0.4%. These consistent gains reflect the state’s robust economic performance and its appeal to businesses and workers alike.
Looking Ahead
The Texas economy is projected to continue its growth trajectory, with expectations to add over 2.1 million new jobs between 2022 and 2032. This growth is anticipated across various sectors, including professional, scientific, and technical services, health care, and educational services.
Conclusion
As Texas celebrates these remarkable employment achievements, it is clear that the state’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment is paying off. With record-high labor force numbers and ongoing job creation across various sectors, we encourage everyone to support local businesses and stay engaged with the exciting developments shaping Austin’s economic landscape for years to come.
- What was the unemployment rate in Texas in December 2025?
- The unemployment rate was 4.3%, below the national rate of 4.4%.
- How many nonfarm jobs did Texas add from December 2024 to December 2025?
- Texas added 132,500 nonfarm jobs during that period.
- What is the projected job growth in Texas between 2022 and 2032?
- Texas is projected to add over 2.1 million new jobs between 2022 and 2032.
| Employment Metric | December 2025 Figure | Historical Record |
|---|---|---|
| Labor Force | 15,964,000 | Highest in Texas history |
| Texans Working | 15,283,600 | Highest in Texas history |
| Total Nonfarm Jobs | 14,341,000 | Highest in Texas history |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.3% | Below national rate of 4.4% |
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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.
