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NOTE: The Texas Workforce Commission has release October 2025 establishment survey data, i.e. job counts, together with November 2025 jobs data, however household survey data, on which unemployment statistics including unemployment rates are based, were not collected for October 2025 due to a lapse in appropriations and will not be collected retroactively. The unemployment statistics in this report are for November 2025 and compared with September 2025's data.
Navigating a Competitive Labor Market
The Panhandle Workforce Development Area continues to show strong labor market performance and sustained economic momentum. The unemployment rate for the region improved from 3.4% in September to 3.2% in November and remains well below the Texas average of 4.2%. Regional employment rose to 212,016 in November 2025, reflecting an increase of 2,460 jobs since September and 5,897 jobs compared to November 2024. This continued growth indicates that the Panhandle economy is not only stable but expanding.
The combination of low unemployment and rising employment reflects a tight labor market, with strong competition for available workers. This environment highlights the importance of talent development, upskilling, and targeted recruitment efforts to meet regional workforce needs. Employers looking to address staffing challenges or strengthen retention efforts can benefit from Workforce Solutions Panhandle’s training grants, hiring events, and business services to support workforce development and long-term economic growth across the region.
Amarillo (City) Labor Market Highlights
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Unemployment Rate: Decreased to 3.1% in November 2025 from 3.2% in September.
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Labor Force: Grew by 2,091 workers from last year, reaching 107,651 (up from 105,560 in November 2024).
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Employment: Rose by 1,944 jobs, from 102,370 to 104,314, indicating sustained hiring activity.
What this means to Employers: Employers are increasingly competing for qualified talent, making recruitment, training, and retention strategies more critical. This environment highlights the need for investment in upskilling, work-based learning, and long-term workforce development solutions.
Panhandle WDA at a Glance
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Unemployment Rate: Dropped to 3.2% in November 2025, below Texas average of 4.2%.
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Labor Force: Expanded by 6,110 workers, reaching 219,083 (up from 212,973 in November 2024).
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Employment: Increased by 5,897 jobs, from 206,119 in 2024 to 212,016.
What this means to Employers: Employer demand for workers remains strong while supply of available talent is limited. Employers across the region are increasingly challenged to attract and retain qualified workers, reinforcing the need for continued investment in upskilling, talent pipelines, and partnerships that support long-term workforce development across the Panhandle.
Texas Labor Market Snapshot
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Unemployment Rate: Increased slightly from 4.1% in November 2024 to 4.2% in November this year, but still decreased by 0.2% from September 2025.
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Labor Force: Grew by 279,809 workers, reaching 16,038,665 (up from 15,758,856 in November 2024).
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Employment: Increased by 246,632 jobs, rising to 15,361,936 statewide.
Big Picture: Texas’ growing economy offers a range of hiring opportunities. Utilize WorkInTexas.com to post job openings and engage Workforce Solutions Panhandle's Business Services team for support.
Area Wage Insights
Wages in Amarillo and the Panhandle WDA reflect a competitive job market. Using Q2 2025 data, we’ve outlined hourly and yearly earnings to guide your compensation strategies.
Amarillo (City) Wage Highlights
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Average Hourly Wage: $25.97
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Average Yearly Wage: $54,008
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Total Wages Paid: $1,8162,040,164 for 124,510 employees across 7,077 establishments
Panhandle WDA Wage Highlights
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Average Hourly Wage: $25.53
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Average Yearly Wage: $53,102
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Total Wages Paid: $2,884,192,877 for 197,581 employees across 12,367 establishments
Competitive wages are critical in a low-unemployment environment (3.2% in Amarillo, 3.4% in WDA). Contact the Business Services Team at businessservices@wspanhandle.com for occupation-specific wage data.
Amarillo MSA Job Growth
The Amarillo MSA achieved a 0.8% annual job growth rate in November 2025, matching the Texas average and continue to outperform Abilene (0.6%) and Lubbock (0.5%). Growth is led by healthcare, retail, and logistics. Employers should consider prioritizing recruitment, retention, and workforce development strategies to stay competitive. Contact the Business Services Unit for tailored occupation data or visit WorkInTexas.com for recruitment tools.
For a deeper look at which industries are driving growth, our Business Services Unit can provide occupation-specific data tailored to your needs. Reach out to our Business Services Team for more information.
Amarillo MSA Job Growth Rankings
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Unemployment Rate Ranking: Amarillo returned to the 1st place spot at 3.1% among Texas MSAs, ahead of Midland (3.2), College Station-Bryan & San Angelo (both 3.3%), and Abilene & Lubbock (both 3.5%).
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Monthly Job Growth Ranking: Amarillo fell in rankings, tied for 18th spot with six MSA's with a 0.3% change (400 jobs).
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Annual Job Growth Ranking: Amarillo ranks 15th with a 0.8% growth rate, adding 1,000 jobs.
WorkInTexas.com
Looking for a better way to find your next hire? WorkInTexas.com is here for you. This free tool connects you with qualified job seekers in your area. Posting jobs is easy, and our Employment Services team is ready to assist you every step of the way. Give us a call at (806) 372-5521 to get started today!
Resources for Employers
Take advantage of our recruitment and training services to address staffing needs. Learn more about hiring incentives, upskilling programs, and other workforce resources by visiting our website.
For more information or assistance, contact Workforce Solutions Panhandle today.
Dear Texas Panhandle Employer,
The We Hire Vets program recognizes Texas employers who demonstrate a strong commitment to hiring veterans.
Does your company employ veterans? If at least 10% of your employees are veterans, your business is eligible to receive a We Hire Vets storefront decal and a digital badge for your website.
If you have previously received this recognition, please re-enroll for 2025 to maintain your participation.
Sign up today and be recognized at the Texas Workforce Commission’s Texas Conference for Employers on Friday, May 9th.
To get started, contact Anthony at 806-282-1146 or email him at anthony.torres@twc.texas.gov. Provide the following details:
- Nominator Name
- Email Address
- Phone Number
- Cell Number
- Employer Name
- Address
- TWC Tax Account Number
- Total number of employees in Texas
- Total number of employees in Texas who are veterans
- Percentage of veterans working for the employer in Texas
- Point of Contact Name
- Point of Contact Email Address
- Point of Contact Phone Number
Explore the list of other participating employers here:
We Hire Vets Participants.
We appreciate your support and look forward to recognizing your organization’s commitment to hiring veterans.
Thank you,
Workforce Solutions Panhandle
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Questions? Contact Us
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Shannon L. Rowell
Business Services Representative
Workforce Solutions Panhandle
(806) 350-1660
srowell@wspanhandle.com
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