The Future of Jobs and the Economy in Texas: An Exploration

Texas currently has over 15 million working Texans, showing steady growth and high levels of jobs and labor force. However, there are uncertainties on the horizon, particularly in terms of technological advancements and the impacts of climate change. How will future jobs in Texas differ? Will oil and gas industry continue to dominate, or will the tech sector keep booming? Texas Standard is exploring the state’s key industries and offering insights into where they are headed in The Future of Work in Texas.

In the 1950s, 10% of American workers were in agriculture, which has now dropped to less than 1%. Small farms are struggling to find help, especially during long hot summers. Could the future of farming shift to indoor operations?

As the energy sector transitions, there are challenges and opportunities for Texas’ workforce. Many oil and gas workers have skills that are transferable to new energy jobs. Additionally, there is a push to strengthen the US semiconductor industry, creating jobs in Texas as chipmakers invest billions into production.

While Texas has experienced a population boom, certain communities in the state are facing a decline in population. This raises questions about how these shrinking counties will adapt to changes in workforce and economic landscape.

With a younger population compared to the national average, Texas must consider what skills and education its future workforce needs to prepare for the jobs of tomorrow. The state’s growing demographics indicate a need for targeted educational strategies to align with evolving job market demands.

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