Governor Greg Abbott announced on Apr. 3 that Texas reached a new historic high of 14,379,500 total nonfarm jobs in January after gaining 40,100 positions during the month. The Texas Workforce Commission reported that the state’s labor force totaled nearly 16 million people and Texans working, including self-employed individuals, reached over 15.2 million.
The increase highlights ongoing economic growth in Texas and reflects job gains across diverse industries. Over the past year from January 2025 to January 2026, Texas added more than 112,000 jobs and outpaced the national annual job growth rate.
“Texas is where free enterprise flourishes and opportunity abounds,” Governor Abbott said. “That is why Texas is a magnet for innovative businesses seeking to invest with confidence and grow jobs across diverse industries. With the Best Business Climate in America and record new funding for our schools, high-demand career training, and critical infrastructure, there is no state better positioned to sustain growth.”
Abbott also spoke at the Forward Fort Worth mobility innovation summit last week about Texas’ pro-business environment that attracts corporate relocations and expansions: “Almost any industry that you can think of, Texas is already leading in. And more importantly, we are attracting even more of those businesses to the state. If you are not in Texas, this is the safest place to build your business and to raise a family. If you are not here yet, get here quickly.”
The Office of the Texas Governor serves as the executive branch of state government by promoting economic opportunities as well as education and public safety while making appointments to boards and assisting constituents according to its official website. The office advances cultural understanding through commissions supporting women’s opportunities and people with disabilities according to its official website.
Greg Abbott currently serves as the state’s 48th governor according to its official website. The Governor’s Mansion has been occupied since it was established in 1856 as an official residence; it stands today as one of America’s oldest continuously occupied governor’s residences according to its official website.
Looking ahead, officials say continued collaboration between businesses and local governments will be key for sustaining economic momentum throughout Texas.
