Houston-area employers added 900 jobs in August, a slower month than the region typically sees at the end of summer. Houston has historically added about 7,400 jobs in August, according to Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast’s latest Houston Area Employment Situation. Seasonally adjusted figures were stronger, with employment growth coming in close to the historical August average.
Much of the month’s hiring came as schools and colleges prepared for the new academic year. Public and private education added a combined 9,500 jobs, offsetting losses in several other parts of the economy. Manufacturing also added jobs, while Leisure and Hospitality, Trade, Transportation and Utilities, and Other Services declined.
The year-over-year picture remains stronger. Houston has added 44,700 jobs since August 2025, with Professional and Business Services and Construction leading the gains. These two sectors account for nearly two-thirds of the region’s annual job growth. The public sector also added jobs over the year, but the August results were more subdued across the private sector, with several major industries showing little growth or losing jobs during the month.
Revised figures for July provide more context for the summer. Houston’s annual job gain for that month was lowered from the initial estimate, making the acceleration seen earlier in the summer less pronounced than first reported. The August report still shows solid annual job growth, but gains were concentrated in a handful of industries rather than spread broadly across the economy.
Houston’s unemployment rate edged down to 5.0% in August from 5.1% in July, while remaining slightly above the 4.9% rate recorded a year ago. Because unemployment typically declines in August as summer labor market patterns unwind, the monthly change is consistent with the region’s usual seasonal pattern.
Workforce Solutions currently forecasts that Houston will add approximately 29,900 jobs from December 2025 to December 2026. The next Houston-area employment report, covering September, is scheduled for release by the Texas Workforce Commission on October 16.
Additional regional labor market data and the full report are available through Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast.
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