Texas has recorded the largest job growth in the United States over a 12-month period, according to September employment data. The state also set new records for the number of people working, the size of its labor force, and total jobs.
“Texas is where free enterprise flourishes and jobs grow,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “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 indicate that Texas’ labor force reached an all-time high at 15,879,000 people. The number of Texans working, including those self-employed, also reached a record level at 15,222,900.
The state added 4,600 nonfarm positions during September alone, bringing total nonfarm jobs to a new high of 14,343,800. Over the year from September 2024 to September 2025, Texas gained 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 more than $14 million in Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) training grants awarded to higher education institutions and independent school districts across Texas to support career and technical education programs. An additional $1 million was allocated through dual credit grants aimed at helping students prepare for high-demand occupations after graduation.
