Energy Workforce & Technology Council said Friday jobs in the nation’s energy services sector declined in September for the fifth consecutive month. The council said the decline “reflects the growing strain from current economic and trade conditions.” Total jobs in energy services fell to 629,815 – a decrease of 1,066 positions from August – according to data from Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Texas led the energy services workforce in September with 306,909 jobs followed by Louisiana with 52,590, Oklahoma with 47,929, Colorado with 25,570 and New Mexico with 23,555. Texas’ total was up from 306,054 in August, and New Mexico was up from 23,490.
Molly Determan, Energy Workforce president, said, “While the continued decline is something we’re watching closely, it reflects the real pressure the energy services workforce is experiencing. Ongoing policy uncertainty, from tariffs to permitting delays, makes it harder for companies to plan and invest with confidence…
“The energy services workforce has a long track record of adapting and leading through cycles. Companies are continuing to invest in innovation, training for their current workforce and prepare for future demand. The energy workforce has consistently proven our resiliency and will continue to do so.”
Bureau of Labor Statistics said it would not release a report for October because of the recent federal government shutdown.