The Texas oil and natural gas industry’s upstream sector added 700 jobs in September, the first uptick since February, according to data from the Texas Workforce Commission. 

texas oil and gas jobs

Total upstream employment in the state was estimated at the end of September at 170,500 jobs, according to the Texas Oil & Gas Association (TXOGA). 

The upstream sector involves oil and natural gas extraction, and it excludes other industry sectors such as refining, petrochemicals, fuels wholesaling, oilfield equipment manufacturing, pipelines and gas utilities.

“At a time when some question the future of oil and natural gas, this small but positive job growth is an indicator of better days ahead,” said TXOGA President Todd Staples.

“Oil and natural gas jobs power modern life, and we do not...