Houston Workforce Faces ‘Dumbbell’ Job Market Shift, but a Key Sector Offers Stability

The national job market is entering what economists are calling a “dumbbell phase,” where hiring skews heavily toward high-wage and low-wage positions while mid-level roles thin out. For a large and economically diverse city like Houston, this trend mirrors what many local job seekers and employers are already seeing across the region.

Experts note that job growth has become increasingly polarized. High-skill positions in areas such as engineering, technology, and advanced health care continue to expand, while service-sector jobs remain in constant demand. The strains fall on workers in the middle, where opportunities for upward mobility and stable, mid-range income have become more limited.

Despite this imbalance, analysts highlight one bright spot: the health and wellness sector. Demand for trained medical staff, outpatient care specialists, behavioral health professionals, and wellness-focused workers has held strong. Houston’s large hospital networks, research institutions, and growing health-tech community position the city to benefit more than many regions.

Why It Matters for Houston

Houston’s population continues to grow, and with that expansion comes a rising need for health care services. Major medical employers in the Texas Medical Center and other hubs across Harris County continue to hire steadily. This sector’s resilience offers stability for workers seeking reliable career paths amid wider economic unpredictability.

Another factor is Houston’s cost of living advantage. Compared to many major U.S. cities, Houston remains more affordable, attracting both employers and employees navigating shifting economic conditions.

What’s Next

Economists expect the dumbbell-shaped job market to persist through the next year. Workers looking to transition out of vulnerable mid-range roles may find new opportunities in health care support, medical technology, and wellness services—fields that offer solid training paths, competitive wages, and long-term demand.

For employers, the challenge lies in filling high-skill positions while maintaining strong workforce pipelines. Many Houston health systems are expanding training programs, partnerships, and apprenticeships to meet this need.

As the local economy evolves, this bright spot in health and wellness may help strengthen both community wellbeing and long-term economic stability.

This article is a summary of reporting by The Business Journals. Read the full story here.