(WO) – Texas upstream oil and gas employment fell by 500 jobs in September to 196,400, according to the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO), citing the latest Current Employment Statistics data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Oil and gas extraction lost 100 jobs, to 62,600, and oilfield services lost 400, to 133,800. All figures are subject to revision.
Upstream employment is still up 4,000 jobs, or 2.1%, from 192,400 in January. Employment peaked at 197,300 in May, fell in June and July, then rebounded in August to a revised 196,900. September’s total is 900 jobs below the May peak. July’s 1,500-job decline, revised from an initial 1,200, was the steepest monthly drop of the year.
TIPRO counted 12,719 unique oil and gas job postings in Texas in September, including 5,418 new postings. Support activities for oil and gas operations led all sectors with 2,883 postings. Among cities, Houston led with 3,216, followed by Midland (938) and Odessa (583). Nationwide, the industry had 73,739 unique postings during the month.
State tax revenue from production also rose:
- Oil production taxes: $507 million in September, up 14% from a year earlier.
- Natural gas production taxes: $290 million, up 30%.
The EIA’s October Short-Term Energy Outlook projects record U.S. crude oil production of 13.87 million bpd in 2026, rising to 14.30 million bpd in 2027. Marketed natural gas production is forecast at 123.5 Bcfd in 2026 and 127.95 Bcfd in 2027. The Permian, Eagle Ford and Haynesville lead the growth.
“September’s modest 500-job decline leaves Texas upstream employment well above its January level, and job postings for the industry remain strong. Texas production continues to set the pace for U.S. output and serves as the primary buffer against global supply disruptions,” said TIPRO President Ed Longanecker.
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