Regional Insights

Labor Force Trends

The civilian labor force in the Coastal Bend expanded to 266,469 in May 2025—an increase of 5,283 individuals compared to the previous year. Employment also rose year-over-year by more than 4,890 workers, reflecting a labor force prepared for continued development and engagement.

Sectors Driving Growth

• Education and Health Services remains the region’s largest employment sector, comprising 29.1% of the workforce and achieving a steady 2.3% growth rate over the year.
• Trade, Transportation, and Utilities posted significant regional expansion of 17.9%, along with a 0.9% increase within the Corpus Christi Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA).
• Mining, Logging and Construction sector experienced a 3.5% increase, contributing to the region’s economic diversification and job creation.

Wages and Opportunities

• Average weekly wages in the Coastal Bend rose to $1,167—an annual increase of $51—signifying upward momentum. Although progress is evident, continued efforts are essential to closing the gap between regional wages and broader state and national benchmarks.
• Small and mid-sized businesses remain a vital part of the Coastal Bend’s economic foundation, with 81.3% of private sector employment rooted in these enterprises—illustrating a thriving, entrepreneurial environment.

Year-over-year, the unemployment claims declined by 195, reflecting steady job market transitions and a consistent pace of reemployment.

Texas Labor Market Trends

28,100 ↑

Jobs Added Over the Month
Total Nonfarm Jobs – 14,340,800

213,300 ↑

Jobs Added Over the Year
(+1.5% Annual Growth Rate – Outpacing the National Growth Rate by 0.4%)

24,900 ↑

Monthly Civilian Labor Force Growth
New Record High – 15,839,400
(+292,400 People added over the year)

• The Texas labor market set new record highs in both total jobs and the size of the civilian labor force in May. Texas added 28,100 positions over the month to reach a total of 14,340,800 nonfarm jobs. The state added 213,300 jobs over the year, which left the annual nonfarm growth rate unchanged at 1.5% and outpaced the national growth rate by 0.4 percentage points.
• Texas’ civilian labor force achieved another new record high of 15,839,400 after adding 24,900 people over the month and marking 59 of 61 months of growth. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 270,900 people.
• Growth in sectors such as the Professional and Business Services industry had the largest over-the-month increase in May after adding 13,600 jobs. Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added 8,400 jobs over the month while Private Education and Health Services added 7,400 jobs. In addition, the Construction industry grew by 3.4% over the year in Texas.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas remained steady at 4.1%.

National Trends

• On the national front, the unemployment rate saw an increase of 0.3 percentage points from 3.7% in May 2024 to 4.0% in May 2025, reflecting wider economic shifts.
• The nation experienced strong job growth in sectors such as Health Care and Social Assistance, which added 62,000 jobs, and Leisure and Hospitality, which grew by 48,000. Construction and Energy Services posted modest gains, while Manufacturing saw a slight decline of 8,000 jobs. Meanwhile, industries including Professional and Business Services, Information, and Financial Activities remained relatively flat, highlighting a labor market that, while mixed, continues to demonstrate overall resilience across key sectors.

Why Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend?

Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend is dedicated to building a thriving community by providing accurate labor market data, tailored workforce development programs, and strategic partnerships with employers. Our commitment ensures job seekers are equipped with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed, while employers receive the support to grow their teams and businesses.

With detailed labor market reports, actionable insights, and innovative programs, we’re more than a resource—we’re a partner in progress for the Coastal Bend.  

– President/CEO, Ken Treviño

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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.