Houston-area employers cut 7,300 jobs in September, a sharp reversal from the job gains the region typically sees this time of year. The losses spanned every major private-sector industry.
Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast says September’s decline was the second-largest for the month since 1990. Seasonally adjusted employment also fell by 14,600 jobs, despite a typical September increase.
Private employers shed 19,400 jobs. Leisure and Hospitality had the biggest drop, losing 7,300. Professional and Business Services lost 3,900, and Trade, Transportation and Utilities lost 2,600.
Government added 12,100 jobs, largely tied to education staffing for the school year, but that was below the sector’s usual September gain.
“September’s losses were more widespread than we typically see, particularly in industries that have helped support Houston’s growth. One month doesn’t establish a trend, but the breadth of these declines makes the next few reports especially important,” said Mohammad Ahmadizadeh, economist at Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast.
Over the year, Houston added 33,600 jobs, or 1 percent. The unemployment rate fell to 4.6 percent, though it remained above the Texas and national rates.
Workforce Solutions forecasts about 29,900 jobs added from December 2025 through December 2026. October’s employment figures are scheduled for release November 20.
