The number of total jobs in Texas’ upstream sector dipped in November after showing positive gains in October and November, driven principally by layoffs in the services sector. 

The Texas Independent Producers & Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO) reported new government data showing that the sector experienced a decline of 2,300 jobs in November compared to the previous month.

This is still moderate compared to the overall net decline this year of over 47,000 upstream jobs in Texas compared to full year 2019 statistics.

According to the Current Employment Statistics (CES) report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, after six consecutive months of employment decline in the Texas upstream sector this year, 1,500 jobs were added in September compared to the previous month, followed by a revised gain of 2,400 positions in October. 

CES statistics show that 800 oil and gas extraction jobs were added in November, offset by a decline of 3,100 jobs in the services sector.

“Global demand and commodity prices are improving, but the total job loss in the Texas oil and natural gas industry this year is significant,” said TIPRO president Ed Longanecker. “2020 upstream employment through November averaged 187,600, reflecting a net decline of over 47,000 jobs compared to full year employment figures in 2019.” 

According to TIPRO’s analysis for upstream, midstream and downstream employment, the industry currently employs over 300,000 direct workers and supports 2 million indirect jobs in Texas. 

The industry is projected to purchase U.S. goods and services worth around $200 billion this year. 

“The Texas oil and gas industry is resilient and will remain a cornerstone of our state for decades to come,” Longanecker said. “Beyond its unmatched economic contributions, the reliable production of oil and natural gas is essential to supporting the quality of life and modern lifestyles in America, providing fuel for our cars, generating electricity for our homes and supplying key materials for thousands of consumer products we as Americans use every day, all thanks in large part to the leadership of the Texas oil and natural gas industry.”