FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HOUSTON — The Energy Workforce & Technology Council released its May 2026 jobs report, showing continued growth in energy services employment as companies respond cautiously to improving activity levels across the sector.
Energy services employment totaled 633,115 jobs in May, an increase of 3,619 positions from April, according to preliminary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Energy Workforce analysis.
The increase marks the third consecutive month of employment growth in the energy sector. Since reaching a low of 625,057 jobs in January, the sector has added more than 8,000 jobs, reflecting a gradual improvement in activity and demand across portions of the industry.
At the national level, the labor market also exceeded expectations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. employers added 172,000 jobs in May, significantly outperforming analyst forecasts despite ongoing concerns surrounding inflation and broader economic growth.
“We continue to see a slow-and-steady increase in activity across portions of the energy services sector,” said Energy Workforce President Molly Determan. “Companies are receiving more requests for work and responding with measured workforce growth, but they remain disciplined in their hiring decisions and long-term planning.”
Determan noted that companies continue to balance growing demand with ongoing uncertainty surrounding commodity prices, global markets, and geopolitical developments.
“While activity is improving, this is not a rapid expansion cycle,” Determan said. “Service companies are focused on sustainable growth, maintaining a skilled workforce, and positioning themselves to meet future demand as market conditions continue to evolve.”
State-By-State Breakdown
TX 308,517
LA 52,865
OK 48,180
CO 25,449
NM 23,678
CA 23,172
PA 22,919
ND 19,690
WY 14,688
OH 10,510
AK 9,813
WV 9,687
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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.
