Are you looking for a job?
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is the state agency that connects Texans with employment resources, job training, and career support. WorkInTexas.com is the state's official job board, listing thousands of openings from employers across Texas.
Get in-person help
Texas Workforce Centers offer free, in-person employment services across the state. Staff can help you with your resume, job search strategy, interview preparation, and connecting with training programs. Walk-ins are welcome at most locations.
Learn about how you can find a public service job
Texas state and local government employ hundreds of thousands of people in roles spanning public safety, healthcare, education, transportation, environmental protection, and more.
State government
Most Texas state agency jobs are posted through the CAPPS Recruit portal, the state's centralized hiring system. You can search by agency, job title, location, and salary range. Federal government positions in Texas are posted separately through USAJOBS.
Public safety and law enforcement
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) employs state troopers, investigators, driver license personnel, and a wide range of administrative and technical roles. The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) sets standards for all peace officers and can help prospective officers understand licensing requirements.
Fire service and emergency medical services
The Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) certifies firefighters and lists job openings at fire departments across the state. EMS positions — including paramedics, EMTs, and dispatchers — are also searchable through WorkInTexas.
Criminal justice
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) is one of the largest state employers in Texas, with roles in correctional officer supervision, healthcare, education, rehabilitation programs, and administrative support across facilities statewide.
Courts and legal
The Texas Judicial Branch employs court staff, clerks, legal researchers, and administrative personnel at courts across the state. Career opportunities span district courts, courts of appeals, and the Supreme Court of Texas.
Education
Teaching and education support roles are among the most in-demand positions in the public sector in Texas. Individual school districts post their own openings, but the Texas Education Agency (TEA) also lists opportunities at the agency level. WorkInTexas.com is a good starting point for searching education positions statewide.
Health and human services
Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) offer roles in public health, social work, nursing, behavioral health, child welfare, and program administration. These agencies are among the largest employers in state government.
Transportation and infrastructure
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) maintains the state's highway system and employs engineers, planners, inspectors, and skilled tradespeople across districts statewide. Roles range from entry-level maintenance positions to licensed engineering and project management.
Environment and land management
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the Texas General Land Office (GLO) both offer careers in environmental protection, natural resource management, coastal conservation, and regulatory compliance. The GLO also administers veterans' land programs and state energy resources.
Parks and wildlife
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) employs game wardens, park rangers, biologists, interpretive staff, and maintenance personnel at state parks, wildlife management areas, and offices across Texas. Many entry-level park positions are seasonal and open to first-time applicants.
Military and Texas National Guard
The Texas Military Department (TMD) supports the Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard, and Texas State Guard. State civilian roles at TMD include logistics, administration, IT, and facilities management, alongside military technician positions that require National Guard membership.
Working with a disability
Having a disability does not have to be a barrier to finding or keeping a job. Texas has programs, counseling services, and employer resources designed to help people with disabilities enter the workforce, advance in their careers, and access the accommodations they are entitled to.
Employment programs and resources
Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) coordinates employment programs for Texans with disabilities, including the Employment First initiative, which prioritizes competitive, integrated employment at real wages in the general workforce. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Texas chapter also offers job-specific resources for people managing mental health conditions.
Vocational rehabilitation
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program helps people with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep a job. Services may include career counseling, job training, tuition assistance, assistive technology, and job placement support. The Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center in Austin offers residential training specifically for adults with visual impairments.
More disability support
For a broader look at disability services, rights, assistive technology, and education programs available in Texas, visit the disability support page.
Employment rights
Texas and federal law protect workers from discrimination, wage theft, and unsafe working conditions. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) enforces employment laws in Texas and handles complaints related to civil rights, wages, and child labor.
Discrimination in the workplace
It is illegal for employers in Texas to discriminate against employees or job applicants based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, or genetic information. TWC's Civil Rights Division investigates employment discrimination complaints and enforces state civil rights laws.
Child labor laws
Texas law sets rules for the hours and types of work that minors under 18 can perform. Requirements vary by age and whether school is in session. Employers who hire minors have specific obligations under state law. TWC oversees child labor law compliance in Texas.
Unpaid wages
If your employer has not paid wages you have earned, you have the right to file a claim under the Texas Payday Law. TWC's Wage and Hour department investigates unpaid wage claims and can require employers to pay wages owed. There is no fee to file a claim.
Unemployment benefits
If you have lost your job through no fault of your own, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits through the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). Benefits provide temporary financial support while you look for new work.
Apply as soon as possible
Waiting to apply after losing your job may delay your first payment. TWC recommends applying in the same week you become unemployed.
How to apply
You can apply online through the TWC benefits portal, by phone, or in person at a Texas Workforce Center. To qualify, you generally need to have earned enough wages during a base period, be unemployed through no fault of your own, and be able and available to work. After you apply, TWC will review your claim and notify you of your eligibility.
After you apply
Once approved, you will need to request payment every two weeks and report any wages you earn during that period. You are also required to actively search for work and document your job search activity. TWC provides tools through WorkInTexas.com to help you meet the job search requirements and find new employment.