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 over the month. The announcement also highlighted that the Texas labor force totaled nearly 16 million and Texans working, including self-employed individuals, reached more than 15.2 million.
The growth is significant as it demonstrates ongoing economic expansion and resilience in Texas compared to national trends. Over the year from January 2025 to January 2026, Texas gained more than 112,000 jobs and outpaced the national annual job growth rate.
“Texas is where free enterprise flourishes and opportunity abounds,” said Governor Abbott. “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 a recent mobility innovation summit about Texas’ appeal for corporate relocations: “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 leads efforts promoting economic opportunity while supporting education and public safety across the state according to its official website. The office advances cultural understanding through commissions supporting opportunities for women and people with disabilities according to its official website. Greg Abbott serves as the state’s 48th governor according to its official website.
Additionally, the governor’s office provides services statewide while making appointments to boards and collaborating with local governments on programs designed for economic growth according to its official website. The historic Greek Revival-style Governor’s Mansion has served as both an executive residence since 1856 and stands as one of America’s oldest continuously occupied governor’s homes according to its official website.
As job numbers continue their upward trend in early 2026 according to labor market data from state officials—and with ongoing efforts by leadership—Texas aims further at strengthening its position as an economic leader.
