Texas has recorded the largest 12-month jobs gain in the United States, according to September employment data. The state also achieved new highs in the number of people working, the size of its labor force, and total nonfarm jobs.
Governor Greg Abbott commented on these achievements, stating: “Texas is where free enterprise flourishes and jobs grow. 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 show that Texas’ labor force reached a record high of 15,879,000 people. The number of Texans working, including those self-employed, also hit a new high at 15,222,900. Nonfarm jobs increased to 14,343,800 after an addition of 4,600 positions over the month.
From September 2024 to September 2025, Texas added 168,000 jobs—more than any other state—and exceeded the national annual job growth rate by 0.4 percentage points. The state’s unemployment rate remained steady at 4.1%, which is lower than the U.S. average of 4.4%.
Governor Abbott also recently announced more than $14 million in Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) training grants aimed at supporting career and technical education programs at higher education institutions and independent school districts across Texas. In addition, $1 million in dual credit grants were awarded to help train students for high-demand occupations after graduation.
