BLS: EMPLOYEES IN MIDLAND MSA HITS 127,000

(Dec. 18, 2025)

MIDLAND, TEXAS -- The number of employees on non-farm payrolls in the Midland metropolitan statistical area (MSA) reached 127,000 during the month of September, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The BLS showed the 1.2% growth inside in the Midland MSA in September (compared to 125,500 employees in September 2024) equaled the state average and ranked in the middle of West Texas cities. San Angelo led cities in the region with 1.7% growth.

The BLS also confirmed Midland tied Amarillo with the lowest unemployment rate across the state during the month (3.3%). The state average was 4.4%. The national average was 4.3%.

Workforce report

(employees on nonfarm payrolls by metropolitan area)

Midland MSA

September 2024: 125,500

September 2025: 127,000

Growth 1.2%

Growth across West Texas 

San Angelo 1.7%

Odessa 1.4%

Amarillo 1.3%

Midland 1.2%

Abilene 1.2%

Lubbock 0.5%

State 1.2%

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics