Monthly Update: Houston Metro Employment

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Metro Houston created 2,300 jobs in June, according to data released by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). That is relatively weak compared to historical trends, with the region averaging 10,500 jobs in June during the decade before the pandemic. Despite this slow growth, Houston has recovered all seasonal jobs lost in January for a gain of 300 workers year-to-date. Adjusting for seasonal factors, that represents 12,900 jobs added since December.

Over the past 12 months, Houston’s economy added 31,100 jobs.  Three sectors led employment gains during that time. Health care added 11,100 jobs to treat the region’s growing population. Public administration (i.e. the parts of the government not involved in education) experienced strong growth, especially at the local level. Restaurants and bars added 5,700 new cooks, servers, bartenders, and back-of-house staff. Sectors with more moderate growth of between 1,000 and 5,000 jobs include wholesale trade; oil and gas extraction; construction; transportation and warehousing; private education; real estate and equipment rentals; and other services.

Sectors losing employees include office and administrative support services, miscellaneous business, arts and recreation, information, and public education. Office and administrative support shed 9,500 jobs during the 12-month period with lower demand for employment services playing a role.

Total non-farm payroll employment for the region now stands at 3,479,500.