In the August 2025 report, the Coastal Bend region continues to show a stable and resilient job market. The unemployment rate rose slightly to 5.0%—up 0.2 percentage points year-over-year and 0.4 percentage points month-over-month—yet the region remains well-positioned for growth, supported by 12,411 job openings across a variety of industries. This continued hiring activity reflects strong prospects for job seekers and employers alike.

Leading sectors such as Education & Health Services, Retail Trade, Financial Activities, and Construction continue to provide strong employment opportunities and stability for the workforce. Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend remains focused on expanding opportunities through strategic partnerships and targeted workforce initiatives.

Wages and Reemployment Progress

Average weekly wages in the Coastal Bend rose to $1,158—an annual increase of $16—signaling continued momentum in earnings. Although regional wages still trail state and national averages, steady growth reflects ongoing progress toward narrowing that gap.

Unemployment insurance claims increased by 697 year-over-year, reflecting the impact of short-term market adjustments. However, the consistent availability of job openings and sector expansion indicates that many displaced workers are finding reemployment opportunities within a reasonable timeframe.

Regional Insights

Labor Force Trends

The Coastal Bend’s civilian labor force expanded to 267,703 in August 2025, up by 3,482 individuals compared to the previous year. Employment also grew by 2,785 workers year-over-year, a sign that the region is positioned for sustained business expansion and workforce engagement.

Sectors Driving Growth

• Construction grew by 7.6% over the past year, reflecting strong infrastructure and development activity.
• Financial Activities recorded a 2.3% annual growth rate, supported by regional investment and service demand.
• Education & Health Services rose by 1.3%, contributing to both workforce stability and consistent job creation.

Texas Labor Market Trends

17,600 ↑

Jobs Added Over the Month
Total Nonfarm Jobs – 14,347,700

 195,600 ↑

Jobs Added Over the Year
(+1.4% Annual Growth Rate – Outpacing the National Growth Rate by 0.5%)

1,400 ↓

Monthly Civilian Labor Force Growth
New Record High – 15,857,300
(+ 169,500 People added over the year)

• Texas added 17,600 nonfarm jobs in August 2025, reaching 14,347,700 total jobs.
• Over the year, the state gained 195,600 jobs, an annual growth rate of 1.4%, outpacing the national rate by 0.5 percentage points.
• The civilian labor force reached a record 15,857,300, growing by 169,500 over the year.

Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held at 4.1%.

National Trends

• The U.S. unemployment rate ticked up by 0.1 percentage point year-over-year, from 4.4% to 4.5% in August 2025.
• National job gains were concentrated in Health Care, Professional Services, and Construction, mirroring areas of growth seen locally. 

The Texas Labor Market Information Data for September is scheduled to be released on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.

Why Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend?

At Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend, we remain dedicated to supporting a resilient and growing workforce. The slight increase in our regional unemployment rate to 4.4% reflects an active labor market and greater engagement among job seekers—both signs of continued economic mobility.

With more than 11,800 open positions across key sectors such as Education, Health Services, and Construction, the Coastal Bend remains a region of opportunity. We’re proud to help connect individuals to meaningful employment and equip them with the tools they need to thrive in a shifting economy.

Together with our partners, we’re building long-term strength across the region’s workforce and economy.

– President/CEO, Ken Treviño

Want to Stay Ahead of the Competition?

Understanding workforce trends is key to making smart business decisions. We offer customized labor market reports to give you the insights you need. Whether you’re looking for an Economic Overview, Regional or County-Specific Report, Industry Trends, Job Growth Analysis, or Occupational Wage Data, we can provide valuable information tailored to your needs.

With data-driven insights, you can identify emerging opportunities, you can stay competitive in today’s market. Let us help you make informed decisions—contact us today to request your custom labor market report!

Labor Market Information Definitions

Not Seasonally Adjusted (Actual) – Data has not been subjected to the seasonal adjustment process. In other words, the effects of regular or seasonal patterns have not been removed from these series. Not seasonally adjusted data is available for smaller geographies, where seasonally adjusted is only available down to the state level. Use this data to view raw numbers, and for geographies smaller than state level.

Seasonally Adjusted – Total employment and unemployment vary throughout the year. For example, higher unemployment in January and February isn’t uncommon because of work in agriculture, construction and other seasonal industries slowing down. Also, both employment and unemployment rise every June, when students enter the labor force in search of summer jobs. Seasonally adjusted numbers also take into account seasonal hiring/layoff patterns that go along with winter and summer holidays. Use this data for month-to-month comparisons for Texas and the United States.

Labor Force – Residents who are at least 16 years old, not serving in the military or institutionalized, and employed or seeking employment.

  Download Targeted Occupations List 2024-2025 (PDF)

The targeted occupations list is developed by Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend for the most effective use of local workforce development resources. Sources of information for the target list are local area employers, economic development entities, chambers of commerce, community partners, Texas Workforce Commission labor market information regarding the Coastal Bend Counties, and knowledge gained from continuous contact with the above sources.