Fresh Profile: Texas Jobs

Published on 2008-05-28

According to the latest available statistics from the Office of the Governor of Texas, the Lone Star State has led the nation in export revenues for five consecutive years (2002 to 2006). Texas is also home to more Fortune 500 companies than any other state. Texas has more farms and cattle than any other state and its petroleum deposits represent 1/3 of the known U.S. supply, creating thousands of Texas oil jobs and an enduring reputation as a global energy leader. Its Gross State Product is second only to California's, and there are nearly 11 million civilians working at Texas jobs across all industry sectors - the second largest workforce in the country. In a word, the economy of Texas is big.

Texas' earliest industries - cattle ranching, oil and agriculture - remain its most iconic. Yet in 2006, the state's top value-added exports included not only petroleum and coal products, but also computer and electronic products, chemicals, machinery, and transportation equipment. The ongoing diversification of the Texas economy has made information technology, aeronautics, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology jobs an important part of its employment outlook.

Austin, the state capital, is one of the fastest growing cities in the country. Austin's relatively liberal politics and high concentration of universities have contributed to its status as an arts and culture mecca. Film production has been a growing source of jobs in Austin, Texas in recent years. The city's motto, "Live Music Capital of the World," is attested to by both its strong local scene and well-known attractions such as the South by Southwest festival and the show Austin City Limits, America's longest running concert music television program. State government and information technology jobs round out the list of notable occupations in Austin.

The Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area is the largest in TX. Historically dependent on oil, cotton and cattle, the region's economy is now also driven by high-tech and telecommunication jobs. Its retail and service sector is also one of the largest in the country. Telecom Corridor in Richardson, a northern suburb, is a hotbed for Dallas jobs in telecommunications. Fort Worth is a prime location for Texas manufacturing jobs in aviation; the aeronautics division of Lockheed Martin is based there. Other companies headquartered in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex include ExxonMobil, Texas Instruments, 7-Eleven, Kimberly-Clark, and Southwest Airlines.

Houston is the single most populous city in Texas. Industry is the principal source of Houston jobs, with energy, aeronautics, technology and manufacturing as the most notable sectors. Texas Medical Center is the largest medical center in the world. It contains 45 healthcare and research institutions which together create around 75,000 healthcare jobs.

San Antonio, the second-largest city in Texas, boasts a very eclectic economy. Tourism, arts, and culture are significant to the city's identity. The San Antonio River Walk is a famous attraction. In addition to tourism, healthcare and finance are major sectors for the creation of San Antonio jobs. There are also a number of army and air force bases and training centers in the city. A recent report by the city's economic development department placed the number of military jobs in San Antonio at nearly 70,000, though when all Department of Defense activities in the area are taken into account, the military supports employment of nearly 200,000 San Antonians.

Other significant cities and major metro areas in Texas include El Paso, McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, and Corpus Christi.

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