(WO) — Texas upstream oil and gas employment declined in March as market volatility continues to impact hiring trends, according to a new report from the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO).
Citing U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, TIPRO said direct upstream employment in Texas totaled 204,400 in March—a net decrease of 700 jobs from February. The loss includes a drop of 900 jobs in the support services sector, partially offset by a 200-job gain in oil and gas extraction.
Despite the decline, TIPRO noted strong labor demand across the state’s oil and gas sector, with 10,120 unique active job postings last month, including 3,458 new listings. Texas led the nation in oil and gas job opportunities, far outpacing states like New York (2,892), California (2,777), Florida (1,781), and Colorado (1,438).
Among the 19 sectors TIPRO tracks, gasoline stations with convenience stores topped March’s job postings with 2,806, followed by support activities for oil and gas operations (2,247), and petroleum refineries (820). Houston posted the highest number of job listings at 2,212, with Midland (635) and Odessa (412) following.
Cefco, Love’s, and Energy Transfer were the top three companies by job listings. Most of the top 10 employers were in services or retail-adjacent sectors, with a few midstream and upstream operators.
The most common occupations included retail supervisors, truck drivers, and maintenance workers. Required qualifications varied, though 44% of postings did not list education requirements. Of the 1,776 postings that included pay data, the median salary was $60,000, with 26% offering salaries between $90,000 and $500,000.
TIPRO also highlighted strong industry contributions to state revenue. In March, Texas energy producers paid $425 million in oil production taxes and $288 million in natural gas production taxes—an increase from February and 36% higher than the same period last year.
Production data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) underscored Texas’ leadership in domestic output. The Permian Basin accounted for 48% of U.S. crude oil production in 2024, averaging 6.3 million barrels per day. Permian natural gas output also jumped 12% to 25.4 Bcf/d. In the Eagle Ford, oil production held steady at 1.2 million b/d, with gas averaging 6.8 Bcf/d.
TIPRO attributed the gains to well productivity improvements and technologies such as artificial intelligence, automated drilling, and electronic hydraulic fracturing.
The report also pointed to recent regulatory shifts that favor domestic production. In March, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced 31 deregulatory actions, which TIPRO said will reduce compliance costs and streamline permitting. The Department of Energy (DOE) also reversed its pause on LNG export approvals, providing greater clarity for U.S. producers.
“By recognizing what’s working, and removing what isn’t, policymakers can support a regulatory environment that promotes energy security, environmental responsibility, and economic growth,” said Ed Longanecker, president of TIPRO. “Sensible and predictable regulations at the state and federal level will enable Texas operators to continue their vital role in providing the energy that fuels our global economy.”
