Texas shatters job records again as businesses flee high-tax states for freedom and opportunity
By isabelle // 2025-09-22
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  • Texas added 17,600 jobs in August and 195,600 over the past year, outpacing national growth.
  • Unemployment in key metro areas is as low as 3.6%, with construction and tech sectors leading expansion.
  • Governor Abbott’s deregulation and pro-business policies fuel record employment and investment.
  • Texas will add 57,644 manufacturing jobs by 2032, dominating in aerospace, electronics, and energy.
  • Critics warn of infrastructure strain, but Texas remains the top destination for businesses fleeing high-tax states.
Texas isn’t just leading the nation in job growth; it’s leaving the rest of the country in the dust. New data reveals the Lone Star State added 17,600 jobs in August alone and a staggering 195,600 over the past year, smashing employment records while outpacing national growth by half a percentage point. With 14.3 million nonfarm jobs—the highest in state history—and a record labor force of 15.9 million, Texas proves that low taxes, fewer regulations, and a pro-business climate still work. But while Governor Greg Abbott celebrates these wins, the real question is: Why aren’t other states following Texas’ lead? The numbers don’t lie. Texas’ 1.4% annual job growth rate beats the U.S. average, and its leisure, hospitality, construction, and healthcare sectors are booming. The construction industry alone grew 2.2% over the year, outperforming the national rate by 1.5 points. Meanwhile, metropolitan areas like Amarillo, Midland, and San Angelo enjoy unemployment as low as 3.6%, proving that Texas’ economic model isn’t just working—it’s thriving where others fail. "Texas is America’s jobs leader," Governor Abbott declared, crediting the state’s "best business climate in the nation" for attracting employers and families alike. His recent moves—like appointing Jerome Greener to slash red tape as director of the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office and signing bills to expand career and technical education—show a commitment to keeping the economy firing on all cylinders. "Texas will continue to cut red tape and invest in businesses large and small," Abbott said, doubling down on the policies that made this growth possible.

The manufacturing boom: Texas leads the charge

While other states struggle with stagnant industries, Texas is poised for a manufacturing renaissance. A recent ETQ analysis projects the state will add 57,644 manufacturing jobs by 2032—more than any other state—thanks to aerospace, electronics, and energy sector expansions. With Samsung’s $17 billion semiconductor plant in Taylor and Tesla’s Austin gigafactory, Texas isn’t just creating jobs; it’s becoming the epicenter of American high-tech production. Meanwhile, states like Utah and Arizona may see faster percentage growth, but Texas dominates in raw numbers, proving that scale and opportunity go hand in hand. Yet challenges remain. Texas’ 4.7% unemployment rate still sits slightly above the national average of 4.5%, with border regions like Eagle Pass (8.9%) and Brownsville (7.5%) lagging behind. Critics argue that rapid population growth fueled by an influx of workers and businesses fleeing California, New York, and Illinois could strain infrastructure. But Abbott’s team isn’t backing down. "TWC is dedicated to removing barriers to employment," said Commissioner Alberto Treviño III, emphasizing skills training and apprenticeships to keep the workforce competitive.

Why businesses are voting with their feet

The message is clear: Companies want freedom, not bureaucracy. Texas’ no-income-tax policy, predictable regulations, and right-to-work laws make it a magnet for tech, aerospace, and manufacturing—sectors that thrive when governments stay out of the way. "The addition of more than 17,000 jobs in August highlights Texas’ reputation as the best state for doing business," said TWC Commissioner Joe Esparza, pointing to tax credits, skills grants, and employer-friendly policies as key drivers. But Texas’ success isn’t just about numbers—it’s about philosophy. While blue states drown businesses in taxes and mandates, Texas proves that economic liberty works. The state’s pro-growth policies aren’t just creating jobs; they’re empowering small businesses, the backbone of any real economy. As Abbott noted, families thrive when governments stop micromanaging and start trusting the people.

Can Texas keep winning?

With projections of 14.7% total employment growth over the next decade, Texas is on track to add more than 2 million new jobs. But challenges loom as inflation, federal overreach, and border security could test the state’s resilience. Still, if Texas stays the course, it won’t just be the nation’s job leader; it could become the model for American prosperity in an era of economic decline elsewhere. For now, the data speaks for itself: Texas is working. While other states tax, regulate, and stagnate, the Lone Star State is building, hiring, and expanding. And if the rest of America wants to know the secret to job growth, they might want to look south. Because in Texas, freedom isn’t just a slogan; it’s an economic powerhouse. Sources for this article include: JustTheNews.com KCENTV.com DallasExpress.com FBHerald.com
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