The Texas upstream oil and gas industry added 2,300 jobs during February, still not back to its pre-pandemic levels, but slowly rising since last September, according to the Texas Oil & Gas Association (TXOGA).

Texas jobs

Texas Workforce Commission data indicated that the upstream sector has added 7,400 jobs since the low point in September. Total upstream employment in Texas stood at around 164,900.

“The resilience and reliability of the Texas oil and natural gas industry is remarkable, and it is the reason this industry will be essential to the energy mix for decades to come,” TXOGA President Todd Staples said. “Every Texan should be encouraged that jobs in this vital sector are returning after a difficult season.”

The upstream sector involves oil and natural gas extraction....