A new employment report from the Energy Workforce & Technology Council (EWTC) shows a slow loss of energy jobs, which includes oil and gas, in Oklahoma.
The data for January 2026 showed Oklahoma’s energy employment totaled 47,582 compared to 47,895 in December of 2025. The loss of 313 jobs is a continuing movement in the state’s energy sector. In January of 2025, the employment in the Oklahoma sector was 49,546 and it had fallen to 47,795 by August 2025.
The Energy Workforce Council said the energy services employment in several states totaled 625,256 jobs in January, a decline of 1,254 positions from December. The report was based on preliminary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Energy and workforce analysis.
It revealed a “continued lean toward workforce consolidation as the industry navigates a complex start to the year,” stated the workforce in announcing the figures.
January’s data follows a year of measured workforce decline in 2025, and signals continued moderation as companies maintain a disciplined approach to hiring and capital allocation in an ever-changing operating environment.
“As we begin 2026, policy consistency will be critical,” said Energy Workforce President Molly Determan. “Companies are operating with discipline, but long-term workforce growth depends on a stable regulatory environment that supports domestic energy development and American competitiveness.”
Determan noted that service companies continue investing in training, technology, and workforce development to ensure they remain competitive and responsive as market conditions evolve.
“Our sector has consistently demonstrated the ability to adapt,” she said. “Companies are positioning themselves to respond quickly as demand strengthens, while maintaining the skilled workforce that underpins American energy production.”
State-by-State Breakdown
TX 304,687
LA 52,209
OK 47,582
CO 25,385
NM 23,385
CA 22,884
PA 22,634
ND 19,445
WY 14,506
OH 10,379
AK 9,691
WV 9,566