Skip to main content

Partnership Forecasts Houston will Create 71,000 Jobs in 2019

Published Dec 14, 2018 by A.J. Mistretta

HOUSTON (Dec. 14, 2018) – The Greater Houston Partnership forecasts the Houston metro area will create 71,000 net new jobs in 2019. Health care, construction and administrative services are expected to lead employment growth, though gains are anticipated in all sectors.

If the Partnership’s annual jobs forecast holds up, the region will end the year with 3.2 million payroll jobs, a net gain of more than 600,000 over the past 10 years and the fourth-largest gain of any metro in the nation.

“Houston has emerged from one of the worst energy downturns of the past 35 years where one in every four of the region’s energy jobs was lost,” said Patrick Jankowski, Senior Vice President of Research for the Partnership. “In previous downturns, such a collapse would have devastated the entire economy. This time, Houston held up quite well because our ties to the U.S. and global economies are now just as strong as our ties to oil and gas. With energy back in the black, we are poised to see growth across the spectrum.”

New jobs forecasted for 2019 by major sector:

  • Energy: 1,900
  • Health Care & Social Services: 9,000
  • Construction 8,900 Manufacturing: 6,300
  • Finance & Insurance: 1,400

Click here to see the full report, including additional jobs figures by industry. For a look back at the economy in 2018 by industry, click here for the Houston Economic Highlights report.

The mission of the Partnership is to make Houston one of the world’s best places to live, work and build a business. To that end, the Partnership provides this forecast to help the Houston business community and those involved in economic development in the region understand trends influencing the region’s economy and driving industry gains or losses. The forecast is designed to help businesses make better investment, staffing and purchase decisions in the coming year.

Related News

Economic Development

Houston Day: Bridging Houston and Texas Lawmakers

12/20/24
What does it take to showcase Houston’s extraordinary contributions to Texas? For the Greater Houston Partnership, the answer was Houston Day. The transformative event gave state legislators a firsthand look at the industries and innovations driving one of the most dynamic regions in the country. Over two days in early 2024, 57 Texas lawmakers and other attendees explored Houston’s core sectors, experiencing the city’s impact on the state’s economy and culture. The event wasn’t just a tour but a strategic opportunity to connect lawmakers with the people and industries shaping Texas’ future. A Journey Through Houston’s Vital Sectors The experience began at Port Houston, a hub of economic activity essential to Texas’ position as a global trade leader. Legislators saw the port’s operations up close and learned about the evolution of the Houston Ship Channel, the energy transition, and the Coastal Texas Program’s flood mitigation efforts. From there, the focus shifted to Houston’s renowned space industry. Visits to the Johnson Space Center-NASA and Space Center Houston highlighted Houston’s legacy of innovation and the recent investments fueling the Texas Space Commission. The day concluded with a private dinner at Minute Maid Park, where Mayor John Whitmire underscored the importance of collaboration between local and state leaders. Showcasing Innovation and Heritage The final day of Houston Day spotlighted Houston’s cutting-edge advancements and cultural heritage. At Air Liquide’s La Porte Hydrogen facility, legislators explored groundbreaking technologies driving the energy transition. Later, a visit to the Texas Medical Center’s Helix Park showcased Houston’s leadership in medical research and health care innovation. The event culminated at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, celebrating the rich cultural fabric of Texas. Why Houston Day Matters “I was honored to showcase Houston’s vibrant contributions to the economy, space innovation, and leadership in the medical and energy sectors to my colleagues at the Legislature. It’s no longer just words on a page or something discussed in a committee meeting—they’ve experienced it all.” -State Senator Carol Alvarado. For the Greater Houston Partnership, Houston Day was a resounding success. By connecting lawmakers directly with Houston’s industries, the event reinforced the city’s significance to Texas and laid the groundwork for future collaboration. By the Numbers: 57 legislators and four state agencies in attendance 162 total attendees 180+ miles traveled, covering over $1 trillion in economic impact 20+ industrial and commercial sectors highlighted Eight stops representing approximately $252.5 billion in state investments Houston Day exemplifies how the Greater Houston Partnership brings leaders together to build understanding, foster collaboration, and drive progress for the region and beyond. Learn more about the Partnership's public policy efforts. Download the Partnership's 2024 Impact Report.
Read More
Life Sciences

Bayou City Bio Pulse: Driving Houston's Life Sciences Growth

12/19/24
Houston's life sciences ecosystem is on the rise, and the Bayou City Bio Pulse is at the heart of this transformation. Launched in fall 2023 by the Greater Houston Partnership’s Life Science Committee, this bi-monthly event series is reshaping how the region's life sciences community connects, innovates and thrives. "Collide to Innovate" Under the motto "Collide to Innovate," Bayou City Bio Pulse aims to bring stakeholders together from across the Greater Houston area to explore the region's leading life sciences hubs. From the Texas Medical Center to Pearland, The Woodlands, and Sugar Land, these events spotlight over 8 million square feet of life sciences and biotechnology spaces, fostering collaboration and showcasing Houston's unparalleled assets. A Platform for Connection and Innovation Each Bayou City Bio Pulse event, organized in collaboration with BioHouston and other committee members, offers unique opportunities for networking, learning, and exploration. Attendees dive into critical topics such as funding, workforce development, artificial intelligence, and the future of innovative workspaces. Complemented by site tours, these gatherings provide an insider’s view into the cutting-edge advancements that are solidifying Houston’s status as a global leader in life sciences and biotechnology. Eric Johnson, Executive Managing Director of National Healthcare Advisory Services at Transwestern, highlights the initiative’s impact: “We’re really excited about what TMC is doing, what the Greater Houston Partnership’s doing and galvanizing our region to propel more life sciences growth here in Houston," said Eric Johnson, Executive Managing Director, National Healthcare Advisory Services, Transwestern. "The efforts of the Partnership’s life sciences committee has made visible strides to boost the cohesiveness and interaction among the many major players in our ecosystem, with opportunities for engagement like the Bayou City Bio Pulse. As we continue to build on successes, we see Houston emerging as a premier destination for life sciences and biotechnology.” Building Momentum Since its debut, Bayou City Bio Pulse has hosted seven events, drawing over 800 participants and doubling attendance from 2023 to 2024. This growing momentum underscores the region’s enthusiasm for collaboration and innovation within the life sciences sector. Shaping Houston’s Future in Life Sciences Looking ahead, the Bayou City Bio Pulse series is poised to amplify its reach and impact. By fostering connections and enhancing awareness of the region's strengths, it continues to support Houston’s evolution as a hub for life sciences and biotechnology. For businesses and innovators in Houston’s life sciences community, Bayou City Bio Pulse is more than an event series—it’s a catalyst for growth and a platform for shaping the future. Learn more about Houston’s life sciences industry.  Download the Partnership's 2024 Impact Report.
Read More

Related Events

Executive Partners