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Job growth in metro Houston softened in September, with the region shedding 7,300 jobs, according to data from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). September typically brings seasonal private sector losses as summer leisure activity winds down, but these are usually more than offset by seasonal hiring in public education. This year, private sector losses were slightly larger than usual at roughly 19,000 jobs, while public education added 11,000, down from the roughly 20,000 in recent Septembers. Despite the monthly decline, Houston remains up 33,600 jobs over the past 12 months, growing at roughly three times the national pace.

Construction continues to anchor the region’s relatively strong job growth. Specialty trade contractors accounted for nearly half of the sector’s gains, with the remainder split roughly evenly between heavy and civil engineering and building construction. Administrative support services posted the second-largest gain, largely driven by continuing demand for temporary staff.

Although several sectors lost jobs over the past year, most declines were modest. Public education was the notable exception, down 4,900 positions. Much of that decline reflects unusually soft seasonal hiring in September, though it remains unclear whether this represents a shift in the timing of hiring or a more sustained reduction in staffing needs.

Total non-farm payroll employment in the region now stands at 3,489,400.

Prepared by Greater Houston Partnership Research Division.

Colin Baker
Director of Economic Research
Greater Houston Partnership
bakerc@houston.org