Workforce Solutions Panhandle provides a monthly Labor Market Information (LMI) update to track the economic health of our 26-county region. This dashboard delivers a clear view of current employment trends, wage data, and workforce supply across the Panhandle WDA, Amarillo, and the state of Texas.
We design these updates specifically for local employers and policy makers to use as a strategic planning tool. Employers can leverage the data to gauge hiring difficulty, analyze competitive area wages, and understand the local talent pipeline. For policy makers and community leaders, these insights serve as a reliable foundation for data-driven decisions regarding regional workforce development, training programs, and economic investments.
- Regional Snapshot
- County-Level Breakdown
- Panhandle WDA Weekly Unemployment Claims
- Average Hourly Wage (4th Quarter 2025)
- Wage Statistics (Benchmarked 2024)
- Top 25 Occupations by Help Wanted Postings in May 2026 for the Panhandle WDA
- Projected Employment for the years 2022 – 2032
- Employment by Industry (4th Quarter 2025)
- Projected Top Ten Fastest Growing Industries in WDA (% Growth 2022-2032)
- Texas Metropolitan Statistical Area Rankings | Not Seasonally Adjusted | May 2026
- Occupation Projections (2022–2032)
- Texas Panhandle Gap Analysis
Regional Snapshot
A summary of the current labor market across the 26-county Texas Panhandle Workforce Development Area. Key measures include the labor force, employment, unemployment, and unemployment rate, making it easy to see where the regional economy stands each month.
Amarillo (City)
This section provides a quick look at the latest Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) for the City of Amarillo. It tracks current labor force numbers, total employment, and unemployment rates across the city. All figures are seasonally unadjusted, giving employers an accurate, ground-level view of the local talent pool and current market conditions right now.
LABOR FORCE
105,837
▲ +343 from May 2025
EMPLOYMENT
102,155
▼ -223 from May 2025
UNEMPLOYMENT
3,682
▲ +566 from May 2025
RATE
3.5%
▲ +0.5% from May 2025
Panhandle WDA
This section provides a quick look at the latest Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) across the Panhandle Workforce Development Area (WDA). It tracks current labor force numbers, total employment, and unemployment rates for the 26 counties that make up our region. All figures are seasonally unadjusted, giving employers an accurate, ground-level view of the local talent pool and current market conditions right now.
LABOR FORCE
215,158
▲ +1,587 from May 2025
EMPLOYMENT
207,705
▲ +750 from May 2025
UNEMPLOYMENT
7,453
▲ +837 from May 2025
RATE
3.5%
▲ +0.4% from May 2025
Texas
This section provides a quick look at the latest Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) across the State of Texas. It tracks current labor force numbers, total employment, and unemployment rates statewide. All figures are seasonally unadjusted, giving employers an accurate, ground-level view of the Texas talent pool and current market conditions right now.
LABOR FORCE
15,915,979
▲ +105,593 from May 2025
EMPLOYMENT
15,238,091
▲ +55,859 from May 2025
UNEMPLOYMENT
677,888
▲ +52,734 from May 2025
RATE
4.3%
+▲ 0.3% from May 2025
County-Level Breakdown
Monthly labor force, employment, unemployment, and unemployment rate data for each of the 26 counties in the Texas Panhandle Workforce Development Area. County-level data allows users to compare local labor market conditions and follow employment trends over time.
| County | Labor Force | Employment | Unemployment | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armstrong | 887 | 857 | 30 | 3.4% |
| Briscoe | 722 | 698 | 24 | 3.3% |
| Carson | 3,134 | 3,034 | 100 | 3.2% |
| Castro | 3,852 | 3,740 | 112 | 2.9% |
| Childress | 3,404 | 3,317 | 87 | 2.6% |
| Collingsworth | 1,296 | 1,253 | 43 | 3.3% |
| Dallam | 3,716 | 3,615 | 101 | 2.7% |
| Deaf Smith | 8,464 | 8,154 | 310 | 3.7% |
| Donley | 1,391 | 1,334 | 57 | 4.1% |
| Gray | 8,920 | 8,575 | 345 | 3.9% |
| Hall | 1,138 | 1,089 | 49 | 4.3% |
| Hansford | 2,141 | 2,058 | 83 | 3.9% |
| Hartley | 1,927 | 1,869 | 58 | 3% |
| Hemphill | 1,086 | 1,036 | 50 | 4.6% |
| Hutchinson | 9,254 | 8,885 | 369 | 4% |
| Lipscomb | 1,336 | 1,294 | 42 | 3.1% |
| Moore | 10,702 | 10,361 | 341 | 3.2% |
| Ochiltree | 4,341 | 4,197 | 144 | 3.3% |
| Oldham | 785 | 760 | 25 | 3.2% |
| Parmer | 4,819 | 4,683 | 136 | 2.8% |
| Potter | 52,449 | 50,264 | 2,185 | 4.2% |
| Randall | 82,784 | 80,272 | 2,512 | 3% |
| Roberts | 337 | 322 | 15 | 4.5% |
| Sherman | 1,464 | 1,418 | 46 | 3.1% |
| Swisher | 2,481 | 2,381 | 100 | 4% |
| Wheeler | 2,328 | 2,239 | 89 | 3.8% |
Panhandle WDA Weekly Unemployment Claims
This dashboard tracks initial and continued weekly unemployment insurance claims filed by residents within Panhandle WDA. It provides an update on regional labor market dynamics, showing short-term shifts in layoffs and workforce separations across the county. Local employers, economic developers, and workforce professionals can use this tracking tool to monitor economic resilience and identify emerging employment trends within the area.
POPULATION
434,358
CLAIMANT COUNT
634
UI CLAIMANTS BY SEX
MALE 313
FEMALE 321
5 WEEK UI CLAIMS
05/10 – 06/06 634 UI CLAIMS
TOP UI CLAIM INDUSTRIES
1. School and Employee Bus Transportation
2. Food Service Contractors
3. Animal Slaughtering
4. Aircraft Manufacturing
5. Supermarkets and Other Grocery Retailers
Average Hourly Wage (4th Quarter 2025)
Average hourly wages by industry for the Texas Panhandle Workforce Development Area based on fourth quarter 2025 data. These wages provide a benchmark for comparing industries and understanding how earnings vary across the regional economy.
| Area | Q4 2025 | Q3 2025 | Q4 2024 | Quarterly Change | Yearly Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panhandle WDA | $31.15 | $28.70 | $29.63 | $2.45 | $1.53 |
| Texas | $38.73 | $36.10 | $37.20 | $2.63 | $1.53 |
| US | $39.23 | $36.48 | $37.65 | $2.75 | $1.58 |
Wage Statistics (Benchmarked 2024)
Detailed occupational wage estimates, including entry-level, median, and experienced wages, for hundreds of occupations in the Texas Panhandle Workforce Development Area. These data are useful for career planning, salary comparisons, and workforce planning.
Amarillo (City)
Provides Benchmarked 2024 annual and hourly wage estimates for 800 occupations in the Amarillo Metropolitan Area. It lists local pay data by industry and education services center (ESC). Last update: May 2025
Panhandle WDA
Provides Benchmarked 2024 annual and hourly wage estimates for 800 occupations in the Panhandle Workforce Development Area (WDA). It breaks down pay rates by county, industry, and education services center (ESC) to track regional pay scales. Last update: May 2025
Texas
Provides Benchmarked 2024 annual and hourly wage estimates for 800 occupations across the State of Texas. It tracks numbers by industry, education services center (ESC), and region for a clear picture of pay rates across the state. Last update: May 2025
Top 25 Occupations by Help Wanted Postings in May 2026 for the Panhandle WDA
The 25 occupations with the most online job postings in the Texas Panhandle Workforce Development Area during May 2026. Help wanted postings provide a snapshot of current hiring activity and identify occupations with strong employer demand.
Projected Employment for the years 2022 – 2032
Employment projections show how occupations and industries are expected to change between 2022 and 2032. These projections estimate future employment based on long-term economic and workforce trends and can help identify occupations and industries expected to grow or decline.
Employment by Industry (4th Quarter 2025)
Employment by industry for the Texas Panhandle Workforce Development Area based on fourth quarter 2025 data. Industry employment shows where people work across the regional economy and the relative size of each industry.
| Industry | Q4 2025 Employment | Q3 2025 Employment | Q4 2024 Employment | Quarter | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Resources and Mining | 17,216 | 17,143 | 16,442 | 0.4% | 4.7% |
| Construction | 12,818 | 12,885 | 12,290 | -0.5% | 4.3% |
| Manufacturing | 28,379 | 28,201 | 28,175 | 0.6% | 0.7% |
| Trade, Transportation and Utilities | 40,091 | 39,684 | 40,156 | 1% | -0.2% |
| Information | 1,739 | 1,764 | 1,744 | -1.4% | -0.3% |
| Financial Activities | 7,703 | 7,901 | 7,915 | -2.5% | -2.7% |
| Professional and Business Services | 12,253 | 12,433 | 12,333 | -1.4% | -0.6% |
| Education and Health Services | 44,101 | 42,010 | 43,764 | 5% | 0.8% |
| Leisure and Hospitality | 20,455 | 21,122 | 20,086 | -3.2% | 1.8% |
| Other Services | 5,591 | 5,825 | 5,764 | -4% | -3% |
| Public Administration | 8,431 | 8,571 | 8,118 | -1.6% | 3.9% |
Projected Top Ten Fastest Growing Industries in WDA (% Growth 2022-2032)
The 10 industries projected to grow the fastest in the Texas Panhandle Workforce Development Area between 2022 and 2032, based on percentage growth. These projections identify industries expected to expand more rapidly than others over the next decade.
| Industry Title | Percent Change |
| Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | 42.5%% |
| Computer Systems Design and Related Services | 33.7%% |
| Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services | 25.2%% |
| Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services | 23.7%% |
| Warehouse Clubs, Supercenters, and Other General Merchandise Retailers | 22.4% |
| Offices of Other Health Practitioners | 21.5% |
| Outpatient Care Centers | 21.3% |
| Building Equipment Contractors | 20.5% |
| Rental & Leasing Services–NAICS 5322, 5323, 5324 | 20.5% |
| Home Health Care Services | 20.4% |
Texas Metropolitan Statistical Area Rankings | Not Seasonally Adjusted | May 2026
A comparison of Texas metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) based on May 2026 labor force data. Rankings include the labor force, employment, unemployment, and unemployment rate, making it easy to see how the Amarillo MSA compares with other metropolitan areas across Texas.
Amarillo MSA Area Rankings – Unemployment
A comparison of the Amarillo Metropolitan Statistical Area’s unemployment rate with other metropolitan areas across Texas, based on the latest available labor force data.
| Rank | Name | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Midland | 3.1% |
| 2 | Abilene | 3.4% |
| 2 | San Angelo | 3.4% |
| 4 | Amarillo | 3.5% |
| 4 | Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos | 3.5% |
| 6 | College Station-Bryan | 3.6% |
| 6 | Lubbock | 3.6% |
| 8 | Wichita Falls | 3.8% |
| 9 | Odessa | 3.9% |
| 9 | Tyler | 3.9% |
| 11 | Fort Worth-Arlington-Grapevine | 4.0% |
| 11 | Waco | 4.0% |
| 13 | Dallas-Plano-Irving | 4.1% |
| 13 | San Antonio-New Braunfels | 4.1% |
| 13 | Sherman-Denison | 4.1% |
| 16 | Texarkana | 4.2% |
| 16 | Victoria | 4.2% |
| 18 | El Paso | 4.3% |
| 19 | Corpus Christi | 4.4% |
| 20 | Laredo | 4.5% |
| 21 | Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands | 4.6% |
| 21 | Longview | 4.6% |
| 23 | Killeen-Temple | 4.8% |
| 24 | Beaumont-Port Arthur | 5.4% |
| 25 | McAllen-Edinburg- Mission | 6.1% |
| 26 | Brownsville-Harlingen | 6.6% |
| 27 | Eagle Pass | 8.6% |
Amarillo MSA Area Rankings Monthly – Job Growth
A comparison of month over month employment growth among Texas metropolitan areas, showing how the Amarillo MSA performed compared with the rest of the state.
| Rank | Name | Rate | Actual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyler | 1.6% | 1,900 |
| 2 | Eagle Pass | 1.0% | 200 |
| 3 | Midland | 0.9% | 1,100 |
| 4 | Texarkana | 0.8% | 500 |
| 4 | Victoria | 0.8% | 300 |
| 6 | Odessa | 0.7% | 600 |
| 7 | Fort Worth-Arlington-Grapevine | 0.6% | 6,800 |
| 7 | Amarillo | 0.6% | 800 |
| 7 | Abilene | 0.6% | 500 |
| 10 | Houston-Pasadena-TheWoodlands | 0.5% | 16,800 |
| 10 | Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos | 0.5% | 6,900 |
| 10 | San Antonio-New Braunfels | 0.5% | 5,700 |
| 10 | Corpus Christi | 0.5% | 1,000 |
| 14 | El Paso | 0.4% | 1,400 |
| 14 | Beaumont-Port Arthur | 0.4% | 700 |
| 14 | Killeen-Temple | 0.4% | 700 |
| 14 | Longview | 0.4% | 500 |
| 14 | San Angelo | 0.4% | 200 |
| 14 | Sherman-Denison | 0.4% | 200 |
| 20 | Dallas-Plano-Irving | 0.3% | 8,200 |
| 20 | Brownsville-Harlingen | 0.3% | 400 |
| 20 | College Station-Bryan | 0.3% | 400 |
| 23 | Lubbock | 0.2% | 400 |
| 23 | Waco | 0.2% | 300 |
| 25 | McAllen-Edinburg-Mission | 0.1% | 300 |
| 25 | Laredo | 0.1% | 100 |
| 27 | Wichita Falls | -0.2% | -100 |
Amarillo MSA Area Rankings – Annual Job Growth
A comparison of year over year employment growth among Texas metropolitan areas, highlighting how the Amarillo MSA ranks based on annual job gains or losses.
| Rank | Name | Rate | Actual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eagle Pass | 2.6% | 500 |
| 2 | McAllen-Edinburg-Mission | 1.2% | 3,600 |
| 3 | Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos | 1.1% | 14,900 |
| 3 | Sherman-Denison | 1.1% | 600 |
| 5 | Tyler | 1.0% | 1,200 |
| 5 | Abilene | 1.0% | 800 |
| 7 | El Paso | 0.8% | 3,000 |
| 8 | Fort Worth-Arlington-Grapevine | 0.7% | 8,200 |
| 8 | Waco | 0.7% | 1,000 |
| 10 | Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands | 0.6% | 21,300 |
| 10 | Beaumont-Port Arthur | 0.6% | 1,000 |
| 12 | Dallas-Plano-Irving | 0.5% | 16,500 |
| 12 | Lubbock | 0.5% | 900 |
| 12 | College Station-Bryan | 0.5% | 700 |
| 15 | San Antonio-New Braunfels | 0.4% | 4,800 |
| 15 | Corpus Christi | 0.4% | 900 |
| 15 | Laredo | 0.4% | 500 |
| 18 | Killeen-Temple | 0.3% | 500 |
| 19 | Texarkana | 0.2% | 100 |
| 19 | Victoria | 0.2% | 100 |
| 21 | Brownsville-Harlingen | 0.1% | 100 |
| 22 | San Angelo | 0.0% | 0 |
| 23 | Amarillo | -0.2% | -200 |
| 23 | Midland | -0.2% | -200 |
| 23 | Odessa | -0.2% | -200 |
| 26 | Wichita Falls | -0.3% | -200 |
| 27 | Longview | -0.4% | -500 |
Occupation Projections (2022–2032)
Long-term employment projections for occupations in the Texas Panhandle Workforce Development Area through 2032. The data identifies occupations expected to grow, decline, or remain stable, helping employers, educators, and job seekers understand future workforce demand.
- Top Growth Occupations
- Top High-Wage Occupations
- Top Occupations Without a College Degree
- Top Degree Occupations
- Top Declining Occupations
Occupations projected to add the most jobs between 2022 and 2032, regardless of education level or wages.
| Rank | Occupational Title | Typical Education Needed | 2023 Median Annual Wage | Number Change 2022-2032 | Percent Change 2022-2032 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fast Food and Counter Workers | No formal educational credential | 23,597 | 549 | 11 |
| 2 | General and Operations Managers | Bachelor's degree | 78,635 | 513 | 8 |
| 3 | Stockers and Order Fillers | High school diploma or equivalent | 34,600 | 453 | 11 |
| 4 | Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | No formal educational credential | 30,095 | 401 | 9 |
| 5 | Cooks, Restaurant | No formal educational credential | 28,857 | 377 | 23 |
| 6 | Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers | No formal educational credential | 39,898 | 307 | 11 |
| 7 | Registered Nurses | Bachelor's degree | 80,680 | 299 | 9 |
| 8 | Cashiers | No formal educational credential | 26,308 | 295 | 6 |
| 9 | Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | No formal educational credential | 36,397 | 282 | 6 |
| 10 | Home Health and Personal Care Aides | High school diploma or equivalent | 22,904 | 258 | 13 |
| 11 | Slaughterers and Meat Packers | No formal educational credential | 43,785 | 241 | 11 |
| 12 | Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | Postsecondary nondegree award | 49,472 | 231 | 5 |
| 13 | Waiters and Waitresses | No formal educational credential | 22,860 | 207 | 7 |
| 14 | First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers | High school diploma or equivalent | 34,114 | 201 | 12 |
| 15 | Construction Laborers | No formal educational credential | 35,133 | 191 | 8 |
| 16 | Maintenance and Repair Workers, General | High school diploma or equivalent | 39,431 | 184 | 7 |
| 17 | Light Truck Drivers | High school diploma or equivalent | 36,953 | 170 | 14 |
| 18 | Food Preparation Workers | No formal educational credential | 27,436 | 169 | 10 |
| 19 | Electricians | High school diploma or equivalent | 50,669 | 161 | 17 |
| 20 | Retail Salespersons | No formal educational credential | 28,005 | 155 | 4 |
| 21 | First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers | High school diploma or equivalent | 37,182 | 141 | 6 |
| 22 | Medical Assistants | Postsecondary nondegree award | 35,041 | 136 | 20 |
| 23 | Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | High school diploma or equivalent | 48,214 | 118 | 19 |
| 24 | First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers | High school diploma or equivalent | 63,119 | 115 | 8 |
| 25 | Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | Associate's degree | 31,566 | 114 | 48 |
Growing occupations with median annual wages above the Texas median annual wage of $45,972.
| Rank | Occupational Title | Typical Education Needed | 2023 Median Annual Wage | Number Change 2022-2032 | Percent Change 2022-2032 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | General and Operations Managers | Bachelor's degree | 78,635 | 513 | 8 |
| 2 | Registered Nurses | Bachelor's degree | 80,680 | 299 | 9 |
| 3 | Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | Postsecondary nondegree award | 49,472 | 231 | 5 |
| 4 | Electricians | High school diploma or equivalent | 50,669 | 161 | 17 |
| 5 | Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | High school diploma or equivalent | 48,214 | 118 | 19 |
| 6 | First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers | High school diploma or equivalent | 63,119 | 115 | 8 |
| 7 | Accountants and Auditors | Bachelor's degree | 72,315 | 110 | 8 |
| 8 | Financial Managers | Bachelor's degree | 127,006 | 95 | 18 |
| 9 | Nurse Practitioners | Master's degree | 109,203 | 91 | 26 |
| 10 | Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | Postsecondary nondegree award | 46,960 | 86 | 21 |
| 11 | Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel | High school diploma or equivalent | 53,795 | 85 | 9 |
| 12 | First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers | High school diploma or equivalent | 69,199 | 81 | 8 |
| 13 | Wellhead Pumpers | High school diploma or equivalent | 73,471 | 78 | 19 |
| 14 | Medical and Health Services Managers | Bachelor's degree | 99,293 | 78 | 14 |
| 15 | Wind Turbine Service Technicians | Postsecondary nondegree award | 58,945 | 74 | 93 |
| 16 | First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers | High school diploma or equivalent | 77,107 | 73 | 5 |
| 17 | Industrial Machinery Mechanics | High school diploma or equivalent | 56,865 | 65 | 9 |
| 18 | Construction Managers | Bachelor's degree | 87,004 | 59 | 10 |
| 19 | Physician Assistants | Master's degree | 108,454 | 59 | 32 |
| 20 | Project Management Specialists | Bachelor's degree | 77,521 | 58 | 8 |
| 21 | Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | Bachelor's degree | 61,143 | 54 | 2 |
| 22 | Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators | High school diploma or equivalent | 46,125 | 51 | 7 |
| 23 | Human Resources Specialists | Bachelor's degree | 58,376 | 51 | 8 |
| 24 | Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products | High school diploma or equivalent | 57,416 | 50 | 4 |
| 25 | Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | Bachelor's degree | 58,208 | 49 | 16 |
Growing occupations that typically do not require a college degree. Entry requirements may include a high school diploma, postsecondary certificate, some college, or no formal educational credential.
| Rank | Occupational Title | Typical Education Needed | 2023 Median Annual Wage | Number Change 2022-2032 | Percent Change 2022-2032 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | Postsecondary nondegree award | 49,472 | 231 | 5 |
| 2 | Electricians | High school diploma or equivalent | 50,669 | 161 | 17 |
| 3 | Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | High school diploma or equivalent | 48,214 | 118 | 19 |
| 4 | First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers | High school diploma or equivalent | 63,119 | 115 | 8 |
| 5 | Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | Postsecondary nondegree award | 46,960 | 86 | 21 |
| 6 | Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel | High school diploma or equivalent | 53,795 | 85 | 9 |
| 7 | First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers | High school diploma or equivalent | 69,199 | 81 | 8 |
| 8 | Wellhead Pumpers | High school diploma or equivalent | 73,471 | 78 | 19 |
| 9 | Wind Turbine Service Technicians | Postsecondary nondegree award | 58,945 | 74 | 93 |
| 10 | First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers | High school diploma or equivalent | 77,107 | 73 | 5 |
| 11 | Industrial Machinery Mechanics | High school diploma or equivalent | 56,865 | 65 | 9 |
| 12 | Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators | High school diploma or equivalent | 46,125 | 51 | 7 |
| 13 | Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products | High school diploma or equivalent | 57,416 | 50 | 4 |
| 14 | Computer User Support Specialists | Some college, no degree | 47,856 | 44 | 9 |
| 15 | Butchers and Meat Cutters | No formal educational credential | 48,413 | 40 | 12 |
| 16 | First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers | High school diploma or equivalent | 55,771 | 39 | 2 |
| 17 | Police and Sheriff?s Patrol Officers | High school diploma or equivalent | 63,042 | 36 | 3 |
| 18 | Food Service Managers | High school diploma or equivalent | 60,524 | 34 | 12 |
| 19 | Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | Postsecondary nondegree award | 51,656 | 33 | 3 |
| 20 | Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers | High school diploma or equivalent | 46,140 | 31 | 14 |
| 21 | Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas | No formal educational credential | 72,108 | 30 | 17 |
| 22 | Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | High school diploma or equivalent | 75,790 | 28 | 8 |
| 23 | Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists | High school diploma or equivalent | 50,344 | 26 | 5 |
| 24 | Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door | High school diploma or equivalent | 48,124 | 25 | 11 |
| 25 | Paramedics | Postsecondary nondegree award | 49,783 | 23 | 10 |
Growing occupations that typically require a bachelor’s degree or higher for entry.
| Rank | Occupational Title | Typical Education Needed | 2023 Median Annual Wage | Number Change 2022-2032 | Percent Change 2022-2032 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | General and Operations Managers | Bachelor's degree | 78,635 | 513 | 8 |
| 2 | Registered Nurses | Bachelor's degree | 80,680 | 299 | 9 |
| 3 | Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | Associate's degree | 31,566 | 114 | 48 |
| 4 | Accountants and Auditors | Bachelor's degree | 72,315 | 110 | 8 |
| 5 | Financial Managers | Bachelor's degree | 127,006 | 95 | 18 |
| 6 | Nurse Practitioners | Master's degree | 109,203 | 91 | 26 |
| 7 | Medical and Health Services Managers | Bachelor's degree | 99,293 | 78 | 14 |
| 8 | Physician Assistants | Master's degree | 108,454 | 59 | 32 |
| 9 | Construction Managers | Bachelor's degree | 87,004 | 59 | 10 |
| 10 | Project Management Specialists | Bachelor's degree | 77,521 | 58 | 8 |
| 11 | Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | Bachelor's degree | 61,143 | 54 | 2 |
| 12 | Human Resources Specialists | Bachelor's degree | 58,376 | 51 | 8 |
| 13 | Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | Bachelor's degree | 58,208 | 49 | 16 |
| 14 | Speech-Language Pathologists | Master's degree | 68,508 | 47 | 22 |
| 15 | Managers, All Other | Bachelor's degree | 126,539 | 45 | 7 |
| 16 | Veterinarians | Doctoral or professional degree | 104,915 | 44 | 39 |
| 17 | Training and Development Specialists | Bachelor's degree | 47,516 | 44 | 12 |
| 18 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | Bachelor's degree | 61,699 | 41 | 2 |
| 19 | Child, Family, and School Social Workers | Bachelor's degree | 49,005 | 39 | 11 |
| 20 | Software Developers | Bachelor's degree | 121,006 | 37 | 8 |
| 21 | Civil Engineers | Bachelor's degree | 64,363 | 37 | 17 |
| 22 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | Bachelor's degree | 145,163 | 34 | 14 |
| 23 | Business Operations Specialists, All Other | Bachelor's degree | 76,003 | 34 | 6 |
| 24 | Respiratory Therapists | Associate's degree | 67,412 | 34 | 19 |
| 25 | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | Associate's degree | 53,936 | 33 | 13 |
Occupations projected to lose the most jobs between 2022 and 2032.
| Rank | Occupational Title | Typical Education Needed | 2023 Median Annual Wage | Number Change 2022-2032 | Percent Change 2022-2032 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers | High school diploma or equivalent | 79,997 | -255 | -2 |
| 2 | Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive | High school diploma or equivalent | 36,787 | -236 | -9 |
| 3 | Data Entry Keyers | High school diploma or equivalent | 34,852 | -113 | -19 |
| 4 | Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse | No formal educational credential | 29,343 | -90 | -1 |
| 5 | Office Clerks, General | High school diploma or equivalent | 34,777 | -87 | -2 |
| 6 | Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers | High school diploma or equivalent | 47,459 | -72 | -11 |
| 7 | Tellers | High school diploma or equivalent | 33,798 | -66 | -11 |
| 8 | Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants | High school diploma or equivalent | 56,610 | -61 | -19 |
| 9 | Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | High school diploma or equivalent | 38,741 | -38 | -14 |
| 10 | Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators | High school diploma or equivalent | 39,042 | -33 | -5 |
| 11 | Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders | High school diploma or equivalent | 64,074 | -26 | -11 |
| 12 | Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks | Some college, no degree | 42,284 | -25 | -1 |
| 13 | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators | High school diploma or equivalent | 39,966 | -16 | -6 |
| 14 | Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants | High school diploma or equivalent | 38,616 | -16 | -19 |
| 15 | Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators | High school diploma or equivalent | 40,072 | -15 | -7 |
| 16 | Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks | High school diploma or equivalent | 26,939 | -14 | -3 |
| 17 | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers | Postsecondary nondegree award | 58,658 | -13 | -11 |
| 18 | Buyers and Purchasing Agents | Bachelor's degree | 65,323 | -12 | -3 |
| 19 | Floral Designers | High school diploma or equivalent | 30,295 | -10 | -13 |
| 20 | Chief Executives | Bachelor's degree | 144,673 | -10 | -5 |
| 21 | File Clerks | High school diploma or equivalent | 28,975 | -10 | -7 |
| 22 | Bill and Account Collectors | High school diploma or equivalent | 37,177 | -8 | -4 |
| 23 | Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | High school diploma or equivalent | 68,074 | -7 | -9 |
| 24 | Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | High school diploma or equivalent | 51,339 | -6 | -7 |
| 25 | New Accounts Clerks | High school diploma or equivalent | 37,804 | -5 | -4 |
Texas Panhandle Gap Analysis
The Texas Panhandle Gap Analysis compares current employer demand, projected workforce demand, and the available talent pipeline for occupations across the region. By combining labor market information from multiple sources, the report helps identify occupations where employers may face workforce shortages today and in the future.
The report includes two measures of workforce gaps:
- Current Gap compares the number of online job postings with the number of active job seekers in WorkInTexas.com. A positive gap indicates there are more job openings than available job seekers, suggesting employers may have difficulty filling positions.
- Annual Gap compares projected annual job openings with the number of graduates completing related education or training programs each year. A positive gap indicates the region is producing fewer graduates than employers are expected to need, while a negative gap suggests the education pipeline is producing enough graduates to meet or exceed projected demand.
Additional data, including current employment, projected employment, and whether an occupation is classified as middle skill, provides context for understanding the size of each occupation, expected long-term demand, and the education or training pathways available to support the regional workforce.
This analysis helps employers, educators, workforce partners, and economic developers identify workforce shortages, align education and training programs with industry demand, and strengthen talent pipelines across the Texas Panhandle.
Texas Panhandle Gap Analysis Report
| SOC Code | SOC Title | Current Demand (HWOL - May 2026) | Current Supply (WIT - May 2026) | GAP (Current) | Avg.Annual Openings | Annual Graduates | GAP (Annual) | Current Employment (2024) | Projected Employment (2032) | Middle Skill |
| 29-1141 | Registered Nurses | 509 | 211 | 298 | 221 | 342 | -121 | 3,540 | 3,711 | Yes |
| 25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | 129 | 28 | 101 | 114 | 290 | -176 | 1,900 | 1,813 | No |
| 27-1026 | Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | 124 | 27 | 97 | 18 | N/A | N/A | 160 | 150 | Yes |
| 29-1123 | Physical Therapists | 72 | 4 | 68 | 13 | 1 | 12 | 230 | 270 | No |
| 29-1229 | Physicians, All Other | 73 | 9 | 64 | 10 | N/A | N/A | 360 | 284 | No |
| 27-2022 | Coaches and Scouts | 74 | 17 | 57 | 30 | N/A | N/A | 170 | 234 | No |
| 13-1082 | Project Management Specialists | 76 | 25 | 51 | 55 | 685 | -630 | 720 | 748 | No |
| 25-2059 | Special Education Teachers, All Other | 53 | 2 | 51 | 4 | 4 | 0 | N/A | 64 | No |
| 29-1122 | Occupational Therapists | 51 | 4 | 47 | 8 | N/A | N/A | 150 | 132 | No |
| 29-1127 | Speech-Language Pathologists | 45 | 3 | 42 | 17 | 34 | -17 | 220 | 265 | No |
| 29-2099 | Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other | 80 | 39 | 41 | 11 | 31 | -20 | 160 | 146 | Yes |
| 31-2021 | Physical Therapist Assistants | 47 | 15 | 32 | 27 | 13 | 14 | 170 | 192 | Yes |
| 11-9032 | Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary | 46 | 14 | 32 | 38 | 40 | -2 | 570 | 562 | No |
| 29-1171 | Nurse Practitioners | 50 | 24 | 26 | 27 | 10 | 17 | 380 | 441 | No |
| 25-9031 | Instructional Coordinators | 32 | 8 | 24 | 23 | 28 | -5 | 330 | 259 | No |
| 25-2021 | Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | 36 | 14 | 22 | 179 | 1 | 178 | 1,920 | 2,632 | No |
| 19-5012 | Occupational Health and Safety Technicians | 41 | 23 | 18 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 50 | N/A | Yes |
| 29-1031 | Dietitians and Nutritionists | 28 | 10 | 18 | 5 | N/A | N/A | 80 | 74 | No |
| 29-1021 | Dentists, General | 27 | 9 | 18 | 4 | N/A | N/A | 110 | 121 | No |
| 25-2011 | Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education | 36 | 19 | 17 | 36 | 60 | -24 | 360 | 350 | Yes |
| 25-3021 | Self-Enrichment Teachers | 18 | 3 | 15 | 18 | N/A | N/A | 100 | 154 | No |
| 29-2032 | Diagnostic Medical Sonographers | 16 | 1 | 15 | 7 | 10 | -3 | 90 | 113 | Yes |
| 29-1215 | Family Medicine Physicians | 16 | 1 | 15 | 3 | N/A | N/A | 110 | 85 | No |
| 11-9021 | Construction Managers | 111 | 97 | 14 | 51 | 702 | -651 | 490 | 670 | No |
| 11-9041 | Architectural and Engineering Managers | 24 | 11 | 13 | 6 | 109 | -103 | 130 | 104 | No |
| 17-2071 | Electrical Engineers | 23 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 1 | 120 | 181 | No |
| 53-6021 | Parking Attendants | 15 | 3 | 12 | 12 | N/A | N/A | 80 | 87 | No |
| 49-3042 | Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines | 40 | 29 | 11 | 22 | N/A | N/A | 260 | 267 | Yes |
| 11-9033 | Education Administrators, Postsecondary | 17 | 6 | 11 | 13 | 40 | -27 | 230 | 182 | No |
| 17-2051 | Civil Engineers | 22 | 13 | 9 | 18 | 14 | 4 | 230 | 258 | No |
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Shannon Rowell
Sarah Barnes
Phillip Flores
Joe Sauceda
ABOUT WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS PANHANDLE
Workforce Solutions Panhandle is committed to Keeping the Texas Panhandle Working!
Workforce Solutions Panhandle assists employers and job seekers throughout our 26-county region, and partners with the Texas Workforce Commission to provide the largest job-matching database in the State of Texas.
Workforce Solutions Panhandle is overseen by the Panhandle Regional Planning Commission (PRPC), the fiscal and administrative agent for workforce development programs and services provided to employers and job seekers in the Texas Panhandle.
Learn more about the services we offer on the What We Do Page, or by visiting a relevant section of our website for employers, job seekers, or for child care assistance. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Deaf, hard-of-hearing or speech impaired customers may contact: Relay Texas: 800-735-2989 (TDD) and 711 (Voice) Equal Opportunity is the Law
