Houston is the biggest city in Texas, with a population of over 2.28 million people. The city was once primarily known for aerospace and energy industries. However, these days, it's also making a name for itself in the tech sector.
Energy has always been the cornerstone of Houston's economy, which has both hurt and helped the job market. Falling oil prices caused downturns and big job cuts in the 1980s and from 2014 to 2016. However, over the past two decades, different sectors have emerged to help stabilize and diversify the economy.
As a world centre of energy production and foreign trade, Houston has drawn many foreign banks and subsidiaries. This is good news for expats wanting to work for one of these international companies. Overall, Houston offers job-seeking expats a diverse array of opportunities and a low cost of living.
Important:
Anyone wanting to work in the US is required to have a work visa, and it can be one of the biggest challenges faced by expats looking for employment abroad. The process must be initiated by a sponsoring employer and is time-consuming and expensive. This means you must have an offer of employment before you may begin the visa application process. That said, expats with advanced degrees and specialized skills who are fluent English speakers will fare better than most when it comes to finding an employer willing to go through the sponsorship process. See the article 'Work Visa in the USA' for more information about the types of work visas in the United States.
Popular industries in Houston
Houston is a city well known for its aerospace research centres, the oil industry, and the second busiest port in the US. With that, the city welcomes new industries and is open to startups, innovation, and opportunity.
Tech sector
Houston's technology and innovation sector has been experiencing significant growth in the last few years, and it's fair to say the city is becoming a hub for technology startups, particularly in industries like software development, data analytics, and cybersecurity. The presence of renowned universities and research institutions like NASA makes it a competitive and innovative place if you're in the tech world.
Startups
The growing tech industry has brought lots of new companies into the city, and it is now home to over
2,600 — as well as lots of incubators and funders. One of the biggest incubators in the city is Station Houston. Local startups have been a major force in developing both local and nationwide markets with some of the biggest names, including Solugen, Onit, and HighRadius.
Energy
Houston has long been considered the energy capital of the world, with a strong presence in oil and gas exploration, production, and refining. All aspects of the energy industry reign supreme in the Houston job economy, specifically oil. Major companies specialize in exploration, production, field services, and transport. Energy companies headquartered in Houston include Phillips 66, ConocoPhillips Co., Enterprise Products Partners, Plains All American Pipeline, and Halliburton.
Aeronautics
NASA's Johnson Space Center is based in Houston, which drives the region's aerospace and aviation sector. The industry offers employment opportunities in space exploration, aerospace engineering, research, and related fields. Houston is home to two of the nation's busiest airports as well as the headquarters of United Airlines.
Healthcare
Houston is home to the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical complex globally, which includes renowned hospitals, research institutions, and healthcare facilities. The Memorial Hermann Hospital System, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Houston Methodist Hospital are some of the important employers in the Houston area. This city is also rated as a top spot to practice medicine and has a sizeable biomedical research sector.
Manufacturing and logistics
There is a large manufacturing sector related to the petroleum industry, including oil-mining machinery and the production of petroleum-related products such as synthetic rubber. Electronics and food products are also produced in Houston. The second busiest port in the US is located in Houston. From here, petroleum products, chemicals, and other goods are shipped worldwide.
Labor market in Houston
Like the rest of the world, Covid-19 hit Houston's economy hard, but the good news is that the city seems to be bouncing back remarkably well. In 2020, Houston had an unemployment rate of close to 8%, which has fallen dramatically since and now, in 2023, hovers around 4%. Job growth dropped by 6.5% in 2020, but in 2022, it rose by 5.6%. Growth has continued in 2023 but is showing signs of starting to slow. The population in Houston and the surrounding area grew by 112,000 or 1.73% between 2021 and 2022 and is projected to grow by 1.5% annually over the next five years.
Finding a job in Houston
Local resources are the best place to begin your employment search. Use job search engines that are specifically focused on the Houston area and check local newspapers such as the Houston Chronicle (these are online as well). If you belong to a specialized or in-demand industry, research and contact a local recruiting agency to build connections. Additionally, leverage your network and membership in professional organizations, as this is the best way to hear about newly listed or unadvertised jobs.
When sending out your resume (CV), you really must stand out from the crowd. Besides updating your CV to reflect the American style, research companies before you apply to highlight the skills and experience that would most interest them. Also, ensure that your LinkedIn and business networking profiles reflect these same changes. See the article "Finding a job in the USA" for more information about job searching.
Good to know:
The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes a quarterly review of the Houston unemployment rate and labour market, which may be helpful with your job search. There is also free information regarding monthly career fairs, including the company names and open positions available online.
Useful links:
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
