Texas recorded the largest 12-month job gain of any state in the country, according to new federal and state labor data released this week. Governor Greg Abbott said the numbers reflect continued business confidence in the state and the expansion of workforce-training programs designed to meet employer demand.
The September employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) show Texas set new all-time highs for its labor force, the number of Texans working, and total nonfarm employment.
“Texas is where free enterprise flourishes and jobs grow,” Abbott said in a statement. “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.”
Record Employment Levels
According to the latest data:
- The Texas labor force reached a record 15,879,000 people
- Texans working, including the self-employed, reached a record 15,222,900
- Total nonfarm employment hit a record 14,343,800 after adding 4,600 positions in September
- Texas gained 168,000 jobs from September 2024 to September 2025 — the largest increase in the nation
- The state’s annual job-growth rate outpaced the national rate by 0.4 percentage points
- The unemployment rate held steady at 4.1%, below the U.S. rate of 4.4%
State officials said the continued increase in job creation is tied in part to workforce-training initiatives aimed at preparing students and workers for high-skill fields.
$14 Million Awarded Through JET Program
In early November, Abbott announced more than $14 million in Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants awarded to public junior, state, and technical colleges, as well as independent school districts and charter schools. The grants fund equipment for career and technical education (CTE) programs that prepare students for high-demand industries.
“This over $14 million in career training grants will help more than 6,500 Texas students gain the tools and skills they need to go from graduation directly into good-paying jobs,” Abbott said at the time.
The awards support programs in fields such as nursing, welding, information security, automotive technology, engineering technology, and aviation maintenance. Colleges receiving funding include Dallas College, Grayson College, and Texas State Technical College, while large K-12 districts such as Duncanville ISD and Prosper ISD were awarded grants to expand training programs for nursing assistants, welders, and automotive technicians.
“Through initiatives like the JET grant program, we are preparing our workforce to pioneer innovations and thrive on the cutting edge of industry,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza.
More Than $1 Million in Dual-Credit Grants
Last week, Abbott also announced six dual-credit grants totaling more than $1 million to Texas ISDs. The funds will help districts purchase, repair, or replace equipment that allows high school students to earn college credit while gaining hands-on experience in high-demand fields.
“Texas’ best investment is the one we make in our young and growing workforce,” Abbott said. “These dual credit grants will accelerate Texas students’ ability to gain the tools needed to achieve good-paying careers post-graduation.”
Grant recipients include Austwell-Tivoli ISD for a phlebotomy program, Dimmit ISD for automotive technician training, and multiple districts expanding welding and nursing programs.
Esparza said dual-credit initiatives give students a competitive advantage in the job market by providing early exposure to technical skills required by employers.