Houston ranks as one of the most diversified and economically influential cities in the United States. With a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately US$696.999 billion, Houston stands 7th among U.S. metropolitan areas, just behind Dallas–Fort Worth. As the energy capital of the world, Houston’s economy thrives across multiple industries, including oil, gas, aerospace, healthcare, and manufacturing.
Beyond its impressive GDP standing, Houston’s labor market continues to expand. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Houston added about 53,701 jobs from November 2023 to November 2024, reflecting a 1.6% job growth rate. This ongoing expansion underscores Houston’s economic resilience and its role as a major hub for business innovation and skilled employment.
The top 6 industries in Houston are:
- Energy
- Aeropsace & Aviation
- Healthcare and Biotechnology
- Information and Technology
- Manufacuring
- Professional and Business Services
Table of Contents
1. Energy
Houston stands as the world capital of the oil and gas industry, anchoring one of the most diversified and skilled workforces in the United States. According to the Greater Houston Partnership, energy remains a cornerstone of Houston’s economy, with oil and refined petroleum products accounting for 52.1 percent of the city’s total trade value. Among the sector’s giants, ExxonMobil drives significant momentum, generating $344.58 billion in revenue, securing $36.01 billion in profits, and maintaining a market value of $641.22 billion. With 61,500 employees, ExxonMobil’s robust upstream, downstream, and chemical operations continue to power Houston’s prominence across global energy markets.
Kroger, traditionally known as a retail giant, supports Houston’s energy infrastructure through extensive logistics networks, producing $149.89 billion in revenue and employing 14,000 people across its energy-managed operations. Merck strengthens the city’s biotech manufacturing sector, relying on energy-driven production facilities. With $58.74 million in revenue, $10.957 billion in profit, and 9,900 employees, Merck’s expansion aligns energy with healthcare innovation in Houston’s economy.
Supporting firms like Oracle, Duke Energy, Capital One Financial, Occidental Petroleum, Charles Schwab, Coupang, and Sherwin-Williams invest heavily in energy modernization, renewable technologies, and financial services. Together, they fortify Houston’s role as a global hub for sustainable energy, employment growth, and future-ready innovation.
2. Aerospace & Aviation
Houston’s aerospace and aviation sector generates $36.4 billion annually, according to Capital Analytics, and supports over 500 aviation and space-related companies. Leading the charge is Axiom Space, a pioneer in private space travel, with reported annual revenues of $326.5 million and a staff of 928. Axiom is actively developing the world’s first commercial space station, signaling Houston’s strategic future in orbital innovation.
Intuitive Machines, another key player, contributes heavily to lunar exploration technology. With $228 million in revenue and a market valuation of $1.52 billion, the company plans multiple lunar delivery missions, bringing high-tech aerospace opportunities directly into Houston’s economy. Meanwhile, Collins Aerospace, a global aerospace systems supplier with sales surpassing $80.7 billion and a workforce of over 80,000, maintains significant operations within Houston’s vibrant aviation ecosystem.
Other giants such as Oceaneering International, FlightAware, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman have significant operations that bolster the city’s reputation as a space and aviation leader. Houston’s two major airports, George Bush Intercontinental Airport and William P. Hobby Airport, support both commercial and cargo operations, connecting global aerospace corridors. This sector not only creates thousands of jobs but also enhances Houston’s global reputation as a center for aerospace innovation, contributing significantly to economic diversification and future opportunities.
3. Healthcare and Biotechnology
Houston’s healthcare and life sciences industries form a vital part of the city’s economy, employing over 394,500 professionals and hosting more than 1,100 established biotech companies.
The Texas Medical Center (TMC) anchors the region’s healthcare strength, generating $127 million in annual revenue and supporting 209 specialized employees, as reported by Cause IQ. Houston Methodist complements this leadership with $3.27 billion in revenue, $10.9 billion in total assets, and a workforce of 13,974, excelling in clinical research, healthcare technology, and advanced patient care. Emerging biotech firms like Marker Therapeutics contribute to Houston’s innovation landscape, posting $6.59 million in revenue while investing heavily in R&D with $13.5 million allocated in 2024. Although the company currently employs five people, its pioneering work in immunotherapy strengthens Houston’s reputation for biotech research.
Other firms like Avance Biosciences, Celltex Therapeutics, Agennix, and Moleculin Biotech are driving research into gene therapy, regenerative medicine, and cancer treatment technologies. With an overall economic output surpassing $25 billion annually, Houston’s healthcare and biotech industries sustain high-quality employment, spur medical innovations, and enhance global health outcomes.
4. Information and Technology
Houston’s tech industry employs more than 230,800 workers, accounting for 6.9% of the city’s workforce. The tech sector contributes significantly to Houston’s economy, generating an estimated $20.7 billion annually, accounting for 3.3% of the metro area’s entire economic output according to CompTIA.
Several major companies play a pivotal role in shaping Houston’s IT landscape. Hewlett Packard Enterprise stands at the forefront, posting $28.93 billion in revenue and $2.84 billion in profit, supported by a workforce of 27,037 employees. Hewlett Packard Enterprise focuses on edge-to-cloud technology platforms, artificial intelligence, and secure IT solutions for enterprises. BMC Software, another Houston-based technology giant, reported $2.3 billion in revenue and employs over 6,500 professionals specializing in IT service management and automation software.
AspenTech, with $1.14 billion in revenue and a market valuation of $16.73 billion, advances asset optimization technologies critical for Houston’s industrial sectors. Other dynamic firms such as Avantor, HostGator, and Cybersoft Technologies further cement Houston’s position in the tech economy. As cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data analytics expand, Houston’s IT sector creates high-paying jobs, supports corporate innovation, and accelerates digital transformation across all industries.
5. Manufacturing
Houston’s manufacturing industry contributes about 11.3% to the region’s GDP, generating $75 billion annually and employing over 239,600 people as of March 2025, according to Monarch Talent Solutions. The sector covers diverse fields such as energy equipment, chemicals, construction materials, and consumer goods, reinforcing Houston’s role as a diversified manufacturing hub.
NOV Inc., a major provider of oilfield services and equipment, reported $8.544 billion in revenue and $2.344 billion in profit, with a market value of $77.47 billion. Employing around 14,100 people worldwide, NOV’s strong presence supports Houston’s energy manufacturing sector. Huntsman Corporation, specializing in chemical manufacturing, generated $6.181 billion in revenue and $109.2 million in profit, backed by a workforce of 21,500 employees. LyondellBasell Industries, a global leader in polymers and chemicals, recorded $40.3 billion in revenue and $1.4 billion in net income, with $1.8 billion allocated for reinvestments aimed at future innovation.
Beyond these major players, companies like Titan Manufacturing, Goodman Manufacturing, and Cooper Industries add strength to Houston’s industrial fabric. These firms support supply chains, expand real estate development, and drive Houston’s export growth, reinforcing the city’s position as a national leader in advanced manufacturing technologies.
6. Professional and Business Services
The professional and business services sector in Houston plays a vital role in the city’s economic engine, employing 556,600 people according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This broad sector includes legal, accounting, engineering, consulting, and administrative support services, all of which are essential to the daily functioning and expansion of industries across the region. Houston’s strong service infrastructure enables the city to support large-scale corporate operations, real estate development, and financial management activities.
Albertsons stands out in Houston’s business services landscape, operating wholesale and retail divisions with an annual revenue of $76,324.7 million, a profit of $1,770.1 million, and a market value of $40,413.8 million, while employing 71,750 individuals. Synchrony Financial, focused on engineering and construction financing, recorded $20,882.2 million in revenue with a $744.7 million profit and employs 52,500 workers. Kimberly-Clark, specializing in business support solutions, achieved $20,426 million in revenue and a $2,304 million profit while employing 48,000 professionals across its operations.
Other key contributors like Automatic Data Processing in retail services, Group 1 Automotive in automotive retail, Crown Castle in real estate investment, and Academy Sports + Outdoors in retail sports goods, collectively strengthen Houston’s diversified business environment. This sector’s broad scope continues to drive economic stability, generate white-collar employment, and support Houston’s evolution into a global corporate hub.
Why Houston’s Leading Industries Choose Managed IT Services for Success?
Managed IT services are the foundation that keeps Houston’s industries running securely and efficiently. From aerospace to healthcare, companies rely on IT solutions for data protection, remote operations, and business continuity, making IT support critical for daily success and long-term growth.
Cloudavize, a trusted managed service provider in Houston, offers comprehensive IT support, cybersecurity, cloud management, and disaster recovery services. Beyond Houston, Cloudavize also helps businesses in Dallas and Fort Worth with tailored technology solutions. By partnering with Cloudavize, companies across Texas can focus on innovation and growth while relying on resilient, scalable IT systems that align with their strategic goals.
