LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Governor Greg Abbott announced Friday that Texas led the nation in job creation over the past year, adding 165,600 nonfarm jobs between July 2025 and July 2026.
According to data from the Texas Workforce Commission and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Texas grew its workforce by 1.2% during those 12 months, outpacing the national annual job growth rate by a full percentage point.
“The hard work of Texans powers America’s most dynamic economy,” Abbott said in a statement. “Our skilled workforce and best-in-the-nation business climate give innovative job creators the confidence to invest in Texas.
Key takeaways from the July labor market report include:
Total Nonfarm Jobs: 14,468,000, following the 165,600-job annual increase.Total Employed Texans: 15,207,200 (including self-employed individuals).Total Labor Force: 15,915,600, representing an increase of 17,800 people over the year.Fastest Growing Sectors: Professional and Business Services, Leisure and Hospitality, and Construction. Government services saw a decline.
Since Abbott took office, Texas has gained over 2.6 million jobs. The state currently hosts 57 Fortune 500 company headquarters and more than 3.5 million small businesses.
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