The latest Bureau of Labor Statistics employment data tells a story every Dallas business leader needs to hear. While we added 46,800 jobs year-over-year through May 2025, there’s a concerning trend when compared to our March data: annual job growth has decelerated from 56,100 positions (March 2024 to March 2025) to 46,800 positions (May 2024 to May 2025).
The Big Picture
Dallas-Fort Worth ranks 2nd nationally among major metros for absolute job growth, trailing only New York’s 95,300 additions. But here’s the warning sign: our annual growth rate declined from 1.3% (March year-over-year) to 1.1% (May year-over-year), now just matching the national average.
The Growth Leaders
Three sectors are driving our employment engine:
- Leisure and Hospitality added 11,200 jobs (2.6% growth)
- Government contributed 11,900 positions (2.4% growth)
- Education and Health Services grew by 10,100 jobs (2.0% growth)
These numbers truly show where skilled workers are actually landing jobs right now.
The Surprising Declines
Here’s where it gets interesting. Professional and Business Services shed 8,300 positions – a 1.1% decline in what’s traditionally been a growth sector. Manufacturing also contracted slightly, losing 2,100 jobs.
This shift tells us something important: the white-collar job market is tightening while service and public sectors are expanding.
Our Two Regions of DFW
- Dallas-Plano-Irving (72% of metro employment): Added 29,100 jobs but grew at only 0.9%
- Fort Worth-Arlington-Grapevine (28% of metro employment): Added 17,700 jobs with stronger 1.5% growth
Fort Worth’s outpacing Dallas proper, a trend worth watching for expansion decisions.
What This Means for Hiring
The data reveals three critical workforce realities:
- Service sector competition is intensifying. With leisure/hospitality leading growth, businesses in these sectors need stronger retention strategies now.
- Professional services talent is scarce. The sector’s contraction means available professionals have more options and leverage.
- Geographic strategy matters. Fort Worth’s stronger growth suggests different talent availability across the metro.
The Bottom Line
Dallas-Fort Worth’s annual job growth is decelerating, from 56,100 year-over-year additions in March to 46,800 in May. This trend suggests tightening labor market conditions ahead.
Are these employment shifts affecting your hiring strategy?
With over 25 years in the Dallas market, we have seen nearly all types of employment markets. We are ready to help you with your staffing solutions.
Amy Linn, PrideStaff Dallas Strategic-Partner
alinn@pridestaff.com
(972)661.1616
Data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Dallas-Fort Worth Area Employment Report, Updated July 2025