New report shows Oklahoma’s oil and gas industry employment down in past few months

 

The latest employment report from the Energy Workforce & Technology Council shows Oklahoma with nearly 50,000 workers in the oil and gas industry. It was the third highest state in the country for employment in the oil patch.
Oklahoma’s total in the industry dropped by more than 200 workers since November, 2024.
The Council released its monthly jobs report, offering insights into employment trends within the U.S. energy services sector for December 2024. Based on preliminary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and analysis conducted by the Energy Workforce & Technology Council, total jobs in the sector were reported at 651,069, reflecting a slight adjustment of 1,871 positions compared to November, which highlights the dynamic nature of workforce transitions in the sector.
While there was a modest adjustment in energy services sector employment, the national unemployment rate edged down to 4.1%, one-tenth of a point below expectations. This lower-than-anticipated unemployment rate signals a stronger-than-expected labor market, which could influence Federal Reserve policy decisions in the coming months.
“As we enter 2025, our industry remains committed to fostering innovation, driving economic growth, and ensuring energy security for communities across the nation,” said Energy Workforce President Molly Determan.
“With optimism growing under the new Trump Administration, there is renewed momentum to unleash American energy, creating opportunities for the oil and gas industry to thrive. These employment figures underscore the sector’s critical role in driving economic growth and energy security.”
State-by-State Breakdown
TX
317,266
LA
54,364
OK
49,546
CO
26,433
NM
24,350
CA
23,829
PA
23,569
ND
20,248
WY
15,105
OH
10,808
AK
10,092
WV
9,961