Texas has recorded the largest 12-month job gain in the United States, according to September employment data. The state also achieved new records for its labor force size, number of employed residents, and total nonfarm jobs.
Governor Greg Abbott commented on the announcement: “Texas is where free enterprise flourishes and jobs grow. That is why Texas leads all states with the largest 12-month jobs gain in the nation. From innovative startups to Fortune 500 corporations, job-creating businesses invest with confidence in Texas. With our strong and growing workforce, we will continue to expand career and technical training programs for better jobs and bigger paycheck opportunities for more Texans.”
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Texas Workforce Commission show that Texas’ labor force reached a record high of 15,879,000 people. The number of Texans working, including those self-employed, also set a new record at 15,222,900. Nonfarm jobs totaled 14,343,800 after an increase of 4,600 positions over the month.
From September 2024 to September 2025, Texas added 168,000 jobs—more than any other state—and surpassed the national annual job growth rate by 0.4 percentage points. The unemployment rate in Texas remained steady at 4.1%, which is lower than the national average of 4.4%.
Governor Abbott recently announced over $14 million in Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) training grants to higher education institutions and independent school districts for career and technical education programs. An additional $1 million was awarded in dual credit grants to train students for high-demand jobs after graduation.
