Houston employers added 14,400 jobs in June, bringing the region’s job gains for the first half of 2026 to approximately 24,000. As hiring continues, several industries stand out in the region’s latest employment forecast.
The Workforce Solutions’ Employer Forecast does not predict individual job openings or guarantee that hiring will continue at the same pace. Instead, it estimates how employment could change across Houston’s major industries between December 2025 and December 2026.
Here are six sectors projected to see some of the largest gains.
Health Care and Social Assistance
- 2026 forecast: +8,900 jobs
Health Care and Social Assistance is projected to have the largest employment gain of any major sector in Houston this year. The sector had already added 7,600 jobs over the year through May. Hospitals and Ambulatory Health Care Services were among the largest contributors to that increase.
For people exploring health care careers, the industry includes many different types of jobs, from clinical positions to administrative and support roles.
Professional and Business Services
- 2026 forecast: +8,500 jobs
Professional and Business Services is expected to be another major source of employment growth. The sector was down slightly at the end of 2025 but had gained 7,000 jobs over the year by May 2026. Administrative and Support Services accounted for much of that increase.
The June employment report showed another strong month, with the sector adding 7,800 jobs.
Construction
- 2026 forecast: +5,600 jobs
Construction is projected to add 5,600 jobs between December 2025 and December 2026.
The sector had a strong 2025, adding 13,600 jobs, and continued to grow during the first half of 2026. Through May, construction employment was up 12,100 jobs over the year.
The forecast expects construction growth to slow later in the year, but industrial projects, energy infrastructure and population-related demand are expected to continue supporting the sector.
Leisure and Hospitality
- 2026 forecast: +4,200 jobs
Leisure and Hospitality is projected to add approximately 4,200 jobs.
Houston’s 2026 events calendar, including the FIFA World Cup, contributed to hiring in the sector during the first half of the year. The forecast cautions that some of this activity may be temporary rather than a long-term change in employment. That makes this a sector worth watching as event-related hiring gives way to more typical seasonal patterns.
Government
- 2026 forecast: +4,100 jobs
Government employment is projected to increase by approximately 4,100 jobs. The forecast expects much of the growth to come from local government, including employment connected to public education and demand for public services.
Transportation, Warehousing and Utilities
- 2026 forecast: +2,800 jobs
Transportation, Warehousing and Utilities is projected to add approximately 2,800 jobs.
Warehousing and storage have been important contributors to recent employment growth, supported by distribution and fulfillment activity. The sector is also part of a larger network of industries connected to Houston’s role as a major logistics and distribution center.
What Job Seekers Can Take From the Data
A forecast can help identify industries worth researching, but it is only one piece of the career decision-making process. People considering a career path should also look at current job openings, wages, education and training requirements, and the skills employers are seeking.
For Houston job seekers, the latest forecast provides several industries to keep on the radar: Health Care and Social Assistance, Professional and Business Services, Construction, Leisure and Hospitality, Government, and Transportation, Warehousing, and Utilities.
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