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. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
NXP Semiconductors Divests Oak Hill Campus to Expand Operations
Brandywine Realty Trust Announces Dividend and Earnings Schedule
Austin’s Community Engagement Amid Urban Development
Texas Innovation Fund Boosts Austin’s Semiconductor Landscape
SAGE Receives Federal Grant for Economic Development in San Antonio
Futronic USA to Open $28 Million Facility Near Tesla in Buda
Buda’s New Defense Technology Headquarters Boosts Local Economy
Marble Falls EDC Approves Land Sale for Building Materials Development
Restaurant Chain Joins CedarView Development in Cedar Park
Discover Leander, Texas: A Premier Relocation Destination
