Industry Special Reports

Special Report: A Look at the Economy (February 2025)
In 2024, Houston’s economy shifted from rapid post-pandemic recovery to more stable growth. The region added 57,800 jobs, which was less than in recent years but consistent with pre-pandemic trends. November stood out with 18,300 new jobs, surpassing the historical monthly average. 
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Measuring Education Credentials of Middle-Skill Jobs Gulf Coast Region (October 2024)
Meeting workforce needs in the Gulf Coast region is essential as technology advances and more workers retire. This report highlights the growing demand for middle-skill jobs and the challenges in tracking related credentials, especially from private sources. It also reviews occupations by skill level and explores ways to improve credential tracking.
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Workforce Demands in Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services (January 2019)
This industry is a key focus for the Gulf Coast Workforce Board due to its strong growth potential and competitive wages. This report defines subsectors, reviews trends, and examines current and future workforce demands in the region.
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Growth of the "Gig Economy" Among Texas Metropolitan Areas (August 2018)
The rise of the internet has transformed how people work, shop, and travel, giving way to the gig economy through short-term, flexible jobs on platforms like Uber and Airbnb. While this model offers flexibility, it can also lead to less stable employment. This report explores recent data to assess the true size and growth of the gig economy, questions common perceptions and analyzes trends since 2005.
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Employment Trends in the Gulf Coast Retail Sector (February 2018)
The retail sector plays a major role in both the national and Gulf Coast economies, providing nearly 1 in 10 local jobs and serving as a key entry point for new workers. However, shifts in consumer behavior and the rise of online retail are changing the industry. This report reviews local retail trends over the past decade to understand future workforce challenges in this evolving sector.
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Hurricane Harvey Special Report: A Look Back at the Impacts of Hurricane Ike on the Gulf Coast Labor Market (September 2017)
Hurricane Harvey struck Southeast Texas in August 2017, causing historic flooding, over $180 billion in damage, and significant loss of life. While the storm's full economic impact is still unfolding, early employment effects were unclear at the time. To anticipate possible labor market trends, this report looks to Hurricane Ike’s aftermath in 2008 as a more comparable benchmark for understanding how such disasters affect the Gulf Coast workforce.
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A Comparative Analysis of Gulf Coast Region 2012-2022 and 2014-2024 Employment Projections (March 2017)
This report examines industry and occupational growth trends between the 2012-2022 and 2014-2024 Employment Projections as a result of changes in methodology by the Texas Workforce Commission, which coincided with a downturn in the Gulf Coast regional economy.
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Occupations Requiring Coding Skills in the Gulf Coast Region of Texas (September 2016)
Coders write the computer code that makes software run. Projects vary in size and complexity and require specific programming knowledge. They often follow plans created by developers or engineers and are identified by their language or role, such as Java or web programmer. The following pages share data on employment trends, job demand, wages, and education for coding-related jobs.
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Houston's Labor Market August 2016 (August 2016)
The Houston region’s economy is shaped by a growing population, a diverse labor market structure, and key industries driving employment trends. Recent job growth and losses reflect shifts in energy, healthcare, and technology sectors. This presentation outlines the factors behind those trends and provides both short- and long-term job growth projections to help guide workforce planning and development.
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H1B Statistics - Temporary Labor Condition Applications for Specialty Workers (August 2016)
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Population Trends in the 13-County Gulf Coast Region (July 2016)
As of July 2016, the 13-county Gulf Coast Region neared seven million residents, adding over 126,000 people in one year. While still growing, this was a slowdown compared to previous years, largely due to a regional economic downturn caused by falling oil prices beginning in late 2014. Reduced job growth during this period likely contributed to fewer people moving to the area.
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Employment Trends among Workers 65 and Over in the Gulf Coast (May 2016)
Life expectancy in the U.S. has risen from 54.4 years in 1901 to 78.7 years in 2011, leading many people to work beyond traditional retirement age. Improved health and financial pressures, including the impact of the 2008 recession, contribute to this trend. Understanding older workers’ roles is key to identifying future workforce opportunities.
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Health Care Industry Occupations by Skill Level - Gulf Coast Region (April 2016)
The healthcare industry offers stable careers and strong job growth across many roles, from assistants to physicians. Education requirements vary, with higher training often leading to higher pay. As technology advances, new skills, roles, and specializations are emerging. This document provides career information to help individuals at all education levels explore opportunities in healthcare.
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Workforce Demands in Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (February 2016)
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services includes high-value fields like law, engineering, IT, and accounting. These industries typically require advanced education or licensure and offer strong job growth and high wages. Long prioritized by the Gulf Coast Workforce Board, this sector is key to the region’s economic future. This report explores its trends and workforce needs.
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Workforce Demands in Downstream Manufacturing (December 2015)
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Workforce Demands in the Educational Services Industry (October 2015)
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Workforce Demands in the Healthcare Industry (August 2015)
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Workforce Demands in the Oil & Gas Industry: Upstream Manufacturing (June 2015)
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Workforce Demands in the Mining Industry (April 2015)
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Workforce Demands in the Construction Industry (February 2015)
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Workforce Demands in the Gulf Coast Maritime Industry (December 2014)
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