Texas upstream oil and gas employment ticked upward in August, with direct jobs reaching 205,100, according to new data from the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO). The increase of 200 positions from July reflects a gain of 400 service sector jobs, offsetting a 200-job decline in extraction.
TIPRO’s workforce analysis highlights strong hiring demand across the state’s oil and gas sector. Texas posted 10,154 unique job listings in August, up from 8,853 in July, with Houston (2,497), Midland (682), Dallas (410), and Odessa (357) leading in recruitment activity. Support activities for oil and gas operations topped sector postings, followed by gasoline stations with convenience stores, petroleum refineries, and pipeline transportation of natural gas.
The report also showed robust industry contributions to state revenues. Texas energy producers paid $445 million in oil production taxes in August, the highest level in six months, alongside $194 million in natural gas production taxes—up 143% year-on-year. These revenues continue to support schools, roads, and essential public services.
Meanwhile, U.S. crude oil output rose to 13.58 million barrels per day in June, with Texas production climbing to 5.72 million bpd. Gross natural gas output in the Lower 48 hit a record 120.7 bcf/d, with Texas contributing 36.8 bcf/d.
TIPRO President Ed Longanecker said the numbers confirm the industry’s resilience: “The Texas oil and natural gas sector remains a driver of job creation, innovation, and energy security. Federal policy decisions on permitting and LNG exports, along with AI-driven infrastructure investments, will shape employment and production growth in the coming years.”
