H GHP
Thursday, December 5, 2019

Partnership Forecasts Houston Will Create 42,000 Jobs in 2020

Published December 5, 2019 by A.J. Mistretta

HOUSTON (Dec. 5, 2019) – The Greater Houston Partnership forecasts the Houston metro area will create 42,300 net new jobs in 2020. The health care, government, accommodation & food services and construction sectors are expected to lead employment growth, though losses are anticipated in energy and retail trade.

A downturn that’s already begun in the energy industry is thwarting the broader Houston jobs outlook. Investment in that sector is drying up, resulting in fewer wells being drilled, a drop in the rig count and a decline in new equipment orders. Layoffs have already begun in energy services, with more expected to follow across the industry. Meanwhile, sectors tied to population growth, such as health care, and others linked to the global economy, such as manufacturing and trade, will help ensure Houston stays in positive jobs territory in 2020.

“As Houston prepares to enter the 2020s, the region needs a new set of growth engines. Perhaps they will emerge from the Texas Medical Center, the Innovation Corridor, or Houston’s Energy Corridor,” said Patrick Jankowski, Senior Vice President of Research at the Partnership. “Until those new engines emerge, Houston’s growth will depend heavily on the U.S. and global economies. Fortunately, both should perform reasonably well next year.”

This year’s Employment Forecast includes a sector-by-sector look at Houston’s major industries, including their contribution to the region’s GDP, current employment and the forecasted change in jobs in 2020.

The top five industries by percentage of GDP are:

  1. Manufacturing: $83.1 billion or 17% of GDP | Current jobs: 241,000 | 2020 forecast: 1,000 jobs gained
  2. Real Estate and Rental and Leasing: $44.4 billion or 9.1% of GDP | Current jobs: 63,400 | 2020 forecast: 1,200 jobs gained
  3. Energy: $44.3 billion or 9% of GDP | Current jobs: 87,400 | 2020 forecast: 4,000 jobs lost
  4. Wholesale Trade: $42 billion or 8.6% of GDP | Current jobs: 172,000 | 2020 forecast: 1,000 jobs gained
  5. Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services: $39.5 billion or 8.1% of GDP | Current jobs: 252,900 | 2020 forecast: 4,700 jobs gained

Jankowski said an oversaturated real estate market and a bleak outlook for oil and gas paint a current picture similar to what Houston faced after the 1980s oil bust. But he said it’s important to remember that since that downturn, the region has added 3.4 million residents and 1.5 million jobs, making the economy far more resilient. As of October 2019, Houston’s employment stood at 3.2 million, a record high for the region.

Click here to see the full report, including additional jobs figures by industry. For a look back at the economy in 2019 by industry, click here for the Houston Economic Highlights report.

The mission of the Partnership is to make Houston one of the world’s best places to live, work and build a business. To that end, the Partnership provides this forecast to help the Houston business community and those involved in economic development in the region understand trends influencing the region’s economy and driving industry gains or losses. The forecast is designed to help businesses make better investment, staffing and purchase decisions in the coming year.

CONTACT:

A.J. Mistretta                    Maggie Martin
(o) 713-844-3664             (o) 713-844-3640
amistretta@houston.org  mmartin@houston.org

Continue Reading
Economic Development

Explore Houston.org

Learn More
H GHP
Why Houston

Discover what makes Houston attractive to companies from a wide range of sectors.

Learn More
Astros-Stadium
Living in Houston

There is no limit to what Houston offers residents. Find out what Houston life is all about.

Learn More
850_3279_11zon
Houston Data

Get up-to-date research and analysis on the Houston economy.

Get Involved
Membership

Create a meaningful impact and drive change in Houston. Take the next step to learn about our membership

Related News

  • Read
    hype

    NEWS | August 19, 2025

    More Than a Summit: Finding Confidence, Connection, and Career Momentum

    Houston Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs (HYPE) offers early- to mid-career professionals unique opportunities to grow their skills, expand their networks, and step into leadership roles. One of the highlights of the HYPE calendar is the annual HYPE Summit, where emerging leaders from across the region come together for a day of learning, connection, and inspiration. This year’s summit on August 28 promises to be another dynamic experience full of engaging speakers, interactive sessions, and opportunities to build meaningful relationships that last long after the event ends.

  • Read
    downtown

    NEWS | August 18, 2025

    Rising Together: How Houston’s Emerging Leaders Are Shaping the City’s Future

    Houston’s future is being shaped by a new generation of leaders, innovators, changemakers, and visionaries who are stepping into the spotlight and driving impact across industries. We spoke with Partnership members named to the Houston Business Journal’s 2025 40 Under 40 list to hear how they’re mentoring talent, reshaping industries, and creating inclusive opportunities that strengthen our city.

  • Read

    NEWS | August 12, 2025

    San Jacinto College and Intuitive Machines Launch Space Biopharma Training Program

    For decades, Houston has served as a launchpad—for astronauts, spacecraft and medical innovation. Now, the region’s strengths in space exploration and life sciences are converging to power a new frontier: space biopharma.

  • Related Events

    Executive Partners