Energy workforce employment grows in Oklahoma and US

The Energy Workforce & Technology Council released its May 2026 jobs report, showing continued growth in energy services employment as companies respond cautiously to improving activity levels across the sector. It also reflected increased energy employment in Oklahoma where 148,180 were listed as employed in the sector. It was an increase of more than 400 workers since March in the state.

Energy services employment totaled 633,115 jobs in May, an increase of 3,619 positions from April, according to preliminary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Energy Workforce analysis.

The increase marks the third consecutive month of employment growth in the energy sector. Since reaching a low of 625,057 jobs in January, the sector has added more than 8,000 jobs, reflecting a gradual improvement in activity and demand across portions of the industry.

At the national level, the labor market also exceeded expectations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. employers added 172,000 jobs in May, significantly outperforming analyst forecasts despite ongoing concerns surrounding inflation and broader economic growth.

“We continue to see a slow-and-steady increase in activity across portions of the energy services sector,” said Energy Workforce President Molly Determan. “Companies are receiving more requests for work and responding with measured workforce growth, but they remain disciplined in their hiring decisions and long-term planning.”

Determan noted that companies continue to balance growing demand with ongoing uncertainty surrounding commodity prices, global markets, and geopolitical developments.