The direct upstream job count in the Lone Star State surpassed the 200,000 mark in August for the first time since the pandemic-related freefall in employment in 2020, the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO) reported last week.

Based on the trade group’s analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, Texas upstream gained 2,600 jobs from July to August to hit a 201,700 direct employment figure.

“The continual growth in the Texas oil and natural gas industry, and its critical role in strengthening energy security for our country and allies abroad, is truly extraordinary,” said TIPRO CEO Ed Longanecker.

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