Midland Leads the Lone Star State in Job Growth

According to the October Texas Labor Market Review released by the Texas Workforce Commission, Midland stands out as the fastest-growing metropolitan area in the state by annual job growth, recording an impressive 2.4% annual growth rate. In a state known for rapid economic momentum, Midland is leading the charge.

No. 1 in Job Growth Across Texas

Midland’s top-tier ranking in employment expansion demonstrates the strength, adaptability, and resilience of our regional economy. Out of 27 metropolitan statistical areas tracked across Texas, Midland posted the highest year-over-year percentage gain in nonfarm employment.

Midland’s 2.4% rate of job expansion more than doubles the statewide average and dwarfs the national benchmark, proving that employers here are hiring, expanding, and investing with sustained confidence.

Lowest Unemployment in Texas

Rapid job creation in Midland is matched by historic labor participation. While many regions grapple with labor shortages or sluggish engagement, Midland maintains the lowest unemployment rate in the State of Texas at just 3.2% (not seasonally adjusted).
Across Texas metro rankings, Midland holds the top spot for lowest unemployment, outperforming every major metropolitan area.

Midland’s unemployment rate illustrates a workforce that is actively engaged, highly productive, and deeply committed to the community's economic output. For businesses considering relocation or expansion, this active labor dynamic provides an environment where dedication and industrial know-how are part of the daily culture.

Industry Breakdown of Job Growth

While Midland has long served as the administrative and operational headquarters of the Permian Basin, our employment momentum extends across multiple sectors.

• Mining, Logging & Construction: Grew by 4.5% (+1,900 positions), comprising 34.2% of the local industry composition and driving energy innovation, commercial infrastructure, and high-tech site development.
• Professional & Business Services: Surged by 5.2% (+600 jobs), accounting for 9.4% of area employment and underscoring the expansion of corporate headquarters, engineering consultancies, and technical operations.
• Manufacturing: Grew by 2.0% (+100 jobs), reinforcing Midland’s role as a fabrication, specialized assembly, and value-added industrial production hub.
• Public and Essential Services: Government and regional administrative services expanded by 2.7% (+300 jobs), while Education and Health Services grew by 1.0%, ensuring the civic and healthcare infrastructure scales right alongside corporate growth.

Workforce Success With the MDC

The Midland Development Corporation (MDC) works hand in hand with industry leaders, the City of Midland, and higher education institutions to ensure our talent pipeline meets the needs of high-growth sectors.

Through targeted economic development agreements, customized training grants, and specialized technical certifications, the MDC makes connections and secures resources to help employers offset startup and upskilling costs while connecting them directly to skilled tradespeople, engineers, and corporate professionals.

As businesses seek locations that offer low tax burdens, dependable infrastructure, and unmatched economic growth, Midland delivers the ultimate competitive advantage: an energetic, expanding workforce that gets the job done. To learn more about how to make this advantage work for you, reach out to the MDC team today.