Texas’s Employment Outlook: The Last 50 Years

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During the last 50 years, Texas has experienced quite a change in where employment opportunities exist within the state. It’s important to note some key statistics about how the numbers looked at that time. Women, ages 14 and older held only 33 percent  of jobs in 1960. Of those jobs, 29 out of the 33 percent held positions that fell under the realm of “clerical,”  within the state of Texas. The other 4 percent of women worked in private households, services, professional and technical organizations and most of the positions were labeled as nursing, teaching or domestic in nature.

At the present time, 59 percent of women age 16 and up hold jobs within the state of Texas. Urban cities such as Houston and Dallas report having a higher number of women working than do towns that are more rural. Currently, women hold jobs as managers, heavy equipment operators, manufacturers and executives. The gap has lessened considerably in the last 50 years.

Up to 19 percent of men worked under what the state labeled as “craftsmen.” This was the single largest area of employment for men during the 1960s. Eighteen percent of male workers were employed in an area known as “operatives” which refers to anyone working with any type of vehicle or machinery. Only 12 percent of men held the title of manager in 1960. None of the men worked in private households during the 1960s. It’s amazing to see how the gender gap as crossed over. Now you see men as hairdressers and nurses and women as agency directors and CEOs of corporations.

Another major work force change seen in Texas is the type of jobs offered within the state, at the present time, as compared to those available in the 1960s. The biggest change between then and now is in an employment sector known as “services.” This sector took up 23 percent of the work force in 1960. You can see how when you factor in companies including repair, recreational and professional services. An estimated 40 percent of jobs in Texas can see  service label, at the present time.

Other areas you see a major shift in what employment opportunities are available in Texas include the  manufacturing and agricultural job categories. In 1960, the sector that included agriculture took up 9 percent of the work force in Texas. Today, only 1 percent of workers work with jobs  relating to this field. Manufacturing covered about 16 percent in 1960 ,whereas today, it accounts for 8 percent of the employment within the state. Other categories that have seen changes include miners, construction workers, transpiration, retail and communication.

You see a whole different set of work possibilities today than what was available in 1960. For example, you wouldn’t have known what to do if someone walked into your office inquiring about a programming position.