FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HOUSTON — The Energy Workforce & Technology Council released its February 2026 jobs report, showing continued workforce adjustment across the energy services sector as broader economic conditions soften.
Energy services employment totaled 624,149 jobs in February, a decline of 1,958 positions from January, according to preliminary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Energy Workforce analysis.
Following revisions to earlier preliminary data, the sector saw small upward adjustments in both December and January employment levels, slightly improving previously reported figures. However, February’s decline reflects continued caution among service companies as they manage hiring in a changing economic and policy environment.
At the national level, the U.S. labor market also weakened. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. economy lost 92,000 jobs in February, falling far short of expectations that projected roughly 60,000 jobs added. The national unemployment rate rose to 4.4 percent, signaling a broader slowdown across multiple sectors of the economy.
“Energy services companies are navigating a complex environment shaped by policy uncertainty, geopolitical risk, and shifting global energy demand,” said Energy Workforce President Molly Determan. “Clear and consistent policies around permitting, trade, and domestic energy development will be essential to restoring the confidence companies need to invest and grow the workforce.”
State-By-State Breakdown
State 2,026
TX 304,148
LA 52,116
OK 47,498
CO 25,340
NM 23,343
CA 22,844
PA 22,594
ND 19,411
WY 14,480
OH 10,361
AK 9,674
WV 9,549
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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.
