HOUSTON—Today, the Energy Workforce & Technology Council released its September 2025 jobs report, following delays in BLS data reporting due to the government shutdown. September’s report marks a fifth consecutive month of job losses in the energy services sector and reflects the growing strain from current economic and trade conditions.
Total jobs in the energy services sector fell to 629,815, a decrease of 1,066 positions from August, according to preliminary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Energy Workforce analysis.
At the national level, the U.S. added 119,000 jobs in September following an August decline, while the unemployment rate rose to 4.4%. The Bureau also announced it would not release an October report due to insufficient data during the recent government shutdown. As a result, EWTC will not publish an October jobs report and will resume when November data is available. The November BLS jobs report is now expected December 16.
“While the continued decline is something we’re watching closely, it reflects the real pressure the energy services workforce is experiencing,” said Energy Workforce President Molly Determan. “Ongoing policy uncertainty, from tariffs to permitting delays, makes it harder for companies to plan and invest with confidence.”
Still, Determan emphasized that the sector’s long-term outlook remains strong.
“The energy services workforce has a long track record of adapting and leading through cycles,” she said. “Companies are continuing to invest in innovation, training for their current workforce, and prepare for future demand. The energy workforce has consistently proven our resiliency and will continue to do so.”
State-By-State Breakdown
TX 306,909
LA 52,590
OK 47,929
CO 25,570
NM 23,555
CA 23,051
PA 22,799
ND 19,587
WY 14,612
OH 10,455
AK 9,762
WV 9,636
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About Energy Workforce & Technology Council:
Energy Workforce & Technology Council is the national trade association for the global energy technology and services sector, representing more than 650,000 U.S. jobs in the technology-driven energy value chain. Energy Workforce works to advance member policy priorities and empower the energy workforce of the future.
Karina Erickson, Communications Director, writes about governmental policies for the Energy Workforce & Technology Council. Click here to subscribe to the Energy Workforce newsletter, which highlights sector-specific issues, best practices, activities and more.
