North Central Texas Drives Nearly Half of Texas Labor Force Growth

ARLINGTON, Texas — North Central Texas is playing an outsized role in Texas' workforce growth, accounting for nearly half of the state's labor force gains over the past year despite representing just 13% of its workforce.

According to September 2026 labor market data from the Texas Workforce Commission, the Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas (WSNCT) service area added 7,711 workers to its civilian labor force over the past year, while regional employment increased by 7,906. By comparison, the national labor force shrank by 919,000 during the same period.

Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas serves Denton, Ellis, Erath, Collin, Hunt, Hood, Kaufman, Rockwall, Navarro, Palo Pinto, Parker, Somervell, and Wise counties.

The region’s unemployment rate also improved, falling to 4.0% in September from 4.3% in August and 4.1% a year ago. That places North Central Texas below the statewide rate of 4.3% and even with the national rate of 4.0%.

While the numbers reflect continued strength in the regional labor market, wage growth remains an area to watch. The region’s average weekly wage of $1,590 in the first quarter of 2026 trails Texas by $56 and the nation by $64, and annual wage growth of 3.0% lagged both the state (3.8%) and the nation (3.9%). 

“North Central Texas is carrying a share of the state’s workforce growth that’s far larger than our size, and that’s a real advantage for the employers who call this region home,” said Phedra Redifer, executive director of Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas. “But growth alone doesn’t guarantee competitiveness. Our wages still trail the state and the nation, and the industries projected to grow fastest here need skilled talent. Our job is to work alongside employers, educators, and economic development partners to build those pipelines now.”

Projections for 2024–2034 point to clear workforce pipeline priorities in healthcare (+47.3%), logistics (+46.4%), and technology (+35.2%). WSNCT supports employers, EDCs, chambers, ISDs, and community colleges in aligning with that demand through labor market intelligence, employer engagement, training partnerships, rapid response services, and funding connections. Organizations interested in building training pipelines or exploring workforce funding opportunities are encouraged to connect with Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas to start the conversation.

About Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas

Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas is a regional workforce development department within the North Central Texas Council of Governments dedicated to connecting employers with skilled talent and providing career resources for job seekers. Through partnerships with educational institutions, businesses, and community organizations, WSNCT supports a dynamic, growing economy in North Central Texas. To learn more about Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas, visit www.dfwjobs.com.