TEXAS — Texas closed out 2025 with sluggish job growth, even as the state’s unemployment rate remained steady, leaving workers and economists with mixed signals heading into the new year.
The Texas Workforce Commission reported that the state’s unemployment rate sits at 4.2%, just below the national average. But hiring momentum has slowed, a trend that workers across North Texas say they are feeling firsthand.
Fort Worth resident Chris Spinks is among those struggling to find steady work. He is entering his fifth month without a full-time job.
“It’s been more of the same thing, if not slower,” Spinks said.
Despite more than 20 years of experience in entertainment marketing, Spinks said employers have shown little interest in his applications.
“I’ll be lucky to get one or two calls or emails in a month,” he said.
Spinks added that some openings do not appear to be fully formed positions.
“And some of those are, you know, they’re just kind of kicking the tires; they’re not even necessarily real jobs yet. They’re just seeing, you know, what my interest level would be,” he said.
Researchers at Texas A&M University’s Real Estate Research Center point to policy-related uncertainty and the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence as factors contributing to the hiring slowdown.
Faced with limited opportunities, Spinks charted a different course.
“I’m really focused on building my own business, kind of creating my own path here,” he said.
Spinks launched his own marketing LLC, incorporating artificial intelligence into his work. The business has grown enough to support his family of four, though he says the transition has come with challenges.
“It’s one of the things about business ownership is that, you know, that check doesn’t come every two weeks like it does when you’re a full-time employee,” he said.
Maryann Kellam, president and CEO of the Irving Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said Spinks’ experience reflects a broader trend across North Texas.
“Standpoint of new businesses — we’re seeing, I think we saw our numbers — we almost doubled from last year,” Kellam said.
For those considering entrepreneurship, Kellam emphasized preparation and professional support.
“There’s three people that you need to have: you have to have a good accountant, a good attorney and be part of the chamber,” she said.
Despite current hiring challenges, Texas A&M researchers say the U.S. economy is expected to continue expanding, with hiring improvements projected over the next several months.
In the meantime, Spinks said he is focused on staying financially cautious while remaining open to new opportunities.
Though his financial situation has stabilized, Spinks said he is not closing the door on returning to the workforce.
“You can’t rule anything out,” he said.