New data from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) shows an increase of 2,500 jobs in the upstream oil and natural gas sector in January 2025 compared to December 2024. This follows TWC's revised employment figures for 2024, which now estimate December's employment at 200,900, up from the original estimate of 195,500.

Todd Staples, President of the Texas Oil & Gas Association (TXOGA), commented on this development: "As geopolitical circumstances continue to evolve and domestic policy is being examined, the Texas oil and natural gas industry started the year off with positive job growth, which is a reminder of the important role played by this critical industry in providing energy security across the globe."

Since September 2020, following a low point due to COVID-19 impacts, the industry has added 46,400 upstream jobs in Texas. This equates to an average monthly growth of 892 jobs. Over this period, months with job increases have outnumbered those with decreases by more than two to one.

The upstream sector focuses on oil and natural gas extraction and does not include other sectors like refining or petrochemicals. These jobs are among the highest paying in Texas, with an average salary of about $128,000 in 2024.

Founded in 1919, TXOGA represents all facets of the oil and gas industry in Texas.

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