Texas has been ranked the eighth-best state in the United States for finding a job, despite signs that employment growth is slowing, according to a new WalletHub analysis.
The study compared all 50 states across 34 measures of job-market strength and economic health. Texas recorded a score of 59.23, placing it behind South Dakota and ahead of Hawaii in the overall rankings. ([wallethub.com](https://wallethub.com/edu/best-states-for-jobs/35641))
Texas performed particularly strongly on its economic environment, ranking second nationally. Its job market ranking was more modest at 25th, while the state was placed second for average monthly starting salary.
However, Texas was ranked near the bottom for time spent working, at a joint 48th. The results reflect a labour market offering relatively strong pay and economic conditions, but with longer working hours than in most other states. ([wallethub.com](https://wallethub.com/edu/best-states-for-jobs/35641))
Texas job growth slows below historical average
The positive ranking comes as the latest data points to a marked moderation in the state’s employment growth.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas said Texas lost 18,900 jobs in September, with year-to-date employment growth slowing to 0.8 per cent. That is well below the state’s long-running average of 2 per cent.
“Texas employment declined in September, slowing year-to-date job growth to 0.8 percent, well below the state’s long-running average of 2 percent,” said Luis Torres, a senior business economist at the Dallas Fed.
The bank’s latest forecast projects employment in Texas will rise by 0.9 per cent during 2026, equivalent to about 134,000 additional jobs. It expects total employment to reach 14.5 million by December, while the state unemployment rate has remained at 4.4 per cent. ([dallasfed.org](https://www.dallasfed.org/research/forecast/2026/emp261019))
Manufacturing was one of the few areas to record growth in September, supported by oil and gas activity, exports and construction linked to artificial-intelligence expansion. Job losses were led by government and construction, followed by education and health services, trade and transport, financial services, leisure and hospitality, and oil and gas. ([dallasfed.org](https://www.dallasfed.org/research/forecast/2026/emp261019))
Separate figures from the Texas Workforce Commission show that the state had 14,461,300 non-farm jobs in September, with 154,300 positions added over the previous 12 months. That represented annual employment growth of 1.1 per cent. ([lmi.twc.texas.gov](https://lmi.twc.texas.gov/explore/LMI/LMI_wfp.asp))
The figures offer a mixed picture for jobseekers: Texas remains highly ranked for its wider economic conditions and starting pay, but the pace of hiring has weakened and employment fell during September.
