While overall job growth in metro Houston has slowed this year, hospitality-related sectors expanded in the first five months of the year.

Restaurants and bars led the region’s job growth, adding 9,200 jobs so far this year, according to an analysis of Texas Workforce Commission data conducted by the Greater Houston Partnership. The arts and recreation sector, which includes everything from museums and performing arts companies to golf courses and cinemas, added 2,800 jobs in the first five months of 2025 for a total of 42,800 jobs. Meanwhile, hotels added 1,200 jobs for a total employment base of 28,700.

With restaurants and bars leading the region’s job gains, arts & recreation came in fourth in terms of growth and hotels fifth. Healthcare, which added 6,300 jobs during the period, saw the second highest growth rate followed by energy extraction with 2,900 positions gained.

Overall, Houston lost 7,900 jobs since the start of the year, according to the Partnership’s analysis. While the decline was led by retail job losses totaling nearly 12,000 positions, that reflects a cyclical post-holiday pattern in that sector. Houston’s modest decline puts it square in the middle of the job performance among the nation’s top 20 metros.

Written by A.J. Mistretta