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Metro Houston added 50,300 jobs in the 12 months ending July ’26, according to data released today by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). That represents a 1.5 percent growth rate, roughly six times higher than the national pace of 0.2 percent, as Houston’s job market shows signs of momentum not matched in most other parts of the nation.

The annual increase arrives despite a month-over-month loss of 25,000 positions in July – a typical seasonal pattern that occurs as the academic year concludes and annual education contracts wrap up. This July’s loss was the smallest since ’22 when the economy actually gained jobs in the rapid bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic. Outside of education, monthly employment patterns largely held steady.

Construction and administrative support tied for the top spot in year-over-year job growth, together accounting for just over half of all jobs added. Construction hiring tied to major infrastructure projects has cooled from last year’s surge, but growth has shifted toward specialty trade contractors. Growth in administrative support was concentrated in employment services, where increased oil and gas exploration appears to be contributing to demand for temporary workers. Health care and social assistance also posted solid gains, consistent with the needs of Houston’s growing population.

Eight of the 21 sectors tracked by the Partnership lost jobs over the year, though the declines were generally modest with no sector shedding more than 2,500 positions. Total non-farm payroll employment in the region now stands at 3,497,700.

Prepared by Greater Houston Partnership Research Division.

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