(WO) — Texas’ upstream oil and natural gas sector added 4,100 jobs in May, according to the latest workforce analysis from the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO), reflecting continued strength in the state’s energy industry despite ongoing volatility in global markets.
Citing data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, TIPRO reported that upstream employment increased to approximately 197,500 positions in May. The gain was driven by the oilfield services sector, which added 4,400 jobs, while employment in oil and natural gas extraction declined by 300 positions.
The association also reported strong hiring activity across the industry. Texas recorded 10,409 unique oil and natural gas job postings in May, up 6% from April, with more than 4,200 new postings added during the month. Houston led all Texas cities with 2,698 job postings, followed by Midland, Odessa and Dallas.
Support Activities for Oil and Gas Operations accounted for the largest share of industry job listings, followed by gasoline stations with convenience stores, petroleum refineries and crude petroleum extraction.
TIPRO said the industry’s economic contribution to the state also remained strong. According to data from the Texas Comptroller’s Office, oil producers paid $677 million in production taxes in May, more than $100 million higher than April collections and 64% above levels reported in May 2025. Natural gas producers contributed an additional $217 million in production taxes.
The report comes as global energy markets continue to respond to developments surrounding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and shifting international supply flows. TIPRO noted that recent disruptions to global crude oil and refined product markets have increased demand for U.S. energy exports.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, U.S. crude oil and petroleum product net exports reached a record 5.8 MMbpd in April and remained near that level in May. The agency forecasts average U.S. LNG exports will increase to 16.4 Bcfd in 2026 and 18.1 Bcfd in 2027, up from a record 15 Bcfd in 2025.
“Texas oil and gas employment trends this month underscore the industry’s strength and adaptability amid escalating global energy market volatility,” said Ed Longanecker, president of TIPRO. “Texas producers have maintained robust operational activity and delivered increasing volumes of crude oil and liquefied natural gas to domestic markets and key international allies.”
Longanecker said continued regulatory certainty, permitting reforms and infrastructure investment will be important to maintaining Texas’ role as a leading supplier of reliable energy to domestic and international markets.
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