In the 1950s, agriculture work made up 10% of American workers, but today this number has decreased to less than 1%. This decline is posing challenges for small farms, particularly in finding the necessary workforce. Could this signal a shift towards indoor farming in the future?

Currently, Texas has over 15 million working Texans and is experiencing steady growth and record high levels of jobs and the labor force. However, there are always uncertainties on the horizon, such as technological advancements and the impacts of climate change. These factors raise questions about how the jobs of tomorrow will look different in Texas. Will oil and gas continue to dominate? Will the technology sector in Texas continue to thrive? Texas Standard is examining some of the state’s key industries to provide insight into where they are headed in The Future of Work in Texas.

While Texas has experienced a population boom, certain areas of the state are witnessing a decline in population, raising questions about the future of these communities. Furthermore, as Texas’ population is younger than the national average, it prompts considerations about what skills the future workforce in the state should be acquiring to prepare for evolving job demands.

The energy transition presents both challenges and opportunities for Texas’ workforce. Experts suggest that many oil and gas workers possess transferable skills that could be useful in new energy jobs. Additionally, there is a drive to bolster the US semiconductor industry, creating job opportunities in Texas. The domestic production of computer chips is viewed as critical for national security and the supply chain, leading to significant investment in the sector.

Overall, as Texas continues to evolve economically and demographically, it underscores the importance of understanding the changing landscape of work in