Recent data compiled from the Texas Workforce Commission suggests that the state’s upstream oil and natural gas employment expanded by 1,600 jobs in May month/month, expanding a recovery that began last fall.

Energy jobs

Since the low point in employment in September, months with job gains have outnumbered the decline months 6-to-2, the Texas Oil & Gas Association (TXOGA) noted. 

Compared with May 2020, jobs last month remained down 4,100, or 2%. However, the job count was nearly 8% higher, or up by 12,500, than at the low point last September. 

Total upstream employment in Texas was estimated at 170,000 jobs in May.

“The positive numbers are welcomed news, yet a great deal of caution exists as the world readjusts to increased demand levels,” said TXOGA President Todd Staples....