Texas Leads Nation For 12-Month Job Gains

TEXAS, September 18 - September 18, 2026 | Austin, Texas | Press Release

Governor Greg Abbott today celebrated the strength of the Texas economy with the release of August labor market data showing Texas led all states with a gain of 159,400 nonfarm jobs over the last 12 months. Texas also added jobs at a faster annual rate than the nation, growing at 1.1% from August 2025 to August 2026.

“The Texas workforce is the envy of the nation,” said Governor Abbott. “A skilled workforce and the best business climate in America give job creators the confidence to invest in Texas. That is why Texas leads all states for job creation and why Texas drives economic expansion for the nation.”

August labor market data released by the Texas Workforce Commission and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows:

• Texas led all states for jobs added over the last 12 months with a gain of 159,400 jobs, for an annual growth rate of 1.1% that outpaced the national rate by 0.7 percentage points.
• Nonfarm jobs in Texas totaled 14,469,300 after a gain of 5,600 jobs in August.
• Texans working, including self-employed Texans, totaled 15,225,100.
• The Texas labor force totaled 15,932,600 with a gain of 10,900 people over the last 12-month period.

Industry sectors showing the fastest growth rates in Texas from August 2025 to August 2026 include Professional and Business Services, Leisure and Hospitality, and Construction.

Earlier this week, Governor Abbott announced Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants totaling $1,327,075 awarded to four West Central Texas schools for the purchase and installation of equipment to help train students for high-demand occupations such as welders and nurses.