Houston’s employment sector is large and diverse, with over 3.1 million non-farm payroll jobs reported in January 2018.

Employment Sector

Houston’s employment sector is large and diverse, with over 3.1 million non-farm payroll jobs reported in January 2018. Houston added 73,300 jobs in 2018, above the historical average growth of 50,000 to 60,000 jobs. Looking forward, Houston’s short-term job market is expected to see above normal growth, as the Greater Houston Partnership has forecast 71,000 jobs for 2019.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Houston’s industry sectors that posted annual gains of jobs in 2018 include construction, oil and gas, manufacturing, wholesale trade, financial activities, professional and business services, transportation, healthcare and social assistance, government, arts/entertainment/recreation, accommodation and food services, and other services. Industry sectors that registered annual job losses during the same time period include retail trade and information.

According to the The Associated General Contractors of America, the Houston MSA has the largest annual construction job gains between December 2017 and December 2018.

Houston ranked as the "Top Metros Where Young Adults are Moving" January 2019 by The Brookings institute
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Houston ranked #1 "2019's Most Diverse Cities in the U.S."
April 2019 by The Langston Co.

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This Houston Employment Sector overview is part of the annual 2019 Houston Economic Outlook.

Sections covered in the full report include:

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Lisa Bridges

Director of Market Research | Houston

Houston

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Lisa joined Colliers in 2010 as Director of Market Research bringing 26 years of commercial real estate experience to the firm. Lisa initiates proactive market research projects to further the business goals of the company. She writes and prepares 29 market reports annually which include quarterly reports on Houston’s retail, office, industrial and healthcare properties. Further, she prepares statistical ownership reports for various clients as well as an annual Houston Economic Overview. Lisa also creates PowerPoint market presentations, trade journal articles, and other marketing materials in support of the company's business endeavors. She works with senior management in planning the company's marketing strategy and public relations support for local and national conferences, luncheon meetings, recruitment programs, and special events. Lisa works closely with the company's brokers to develop effective custom market research material specific to both existing and potential clients.

Lisa serves on the Colliers International Editorial Board, the Colliers International U.S. Research Council, is a Colliers Center of Excellence team member and is a recipient of the Colliers International Researcher of the Year Award.

Lisa earned the Commercial Property Research Certification (CPRC) from Colliers University. CPRC is the first and only accreditation for commercial real estate research professionals. It offers a professional development path to increase strategic and tactical expertise in marketing/research, knowledge of the industry and capabilities with commercial real estate tools.

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