Skilled Labor in Harlingen, TX
Ready to Serve

Harlingen, Texas has a growing skilled labor force. The agriculture industry used to be the dominant industry, but Harlingen has diversified. Agriculture still serves an important part in the Harlingen economy, but one of the fastest growing industries in Harlingen is the health care industry. Valley Baptist Health System employs a great number of people in Harlingen, and the Regional Academic Health Center has brought more emphasis to the medical industry in South Texas.

South Texas has a strong emphasis on higher education. Texas State Technical College in Harlingen and other major universities in South Texas provide a steady supply of skilled labor experienced in technology.

The job rate in Harlingen, Texas is projected to increase. Harlingen’s location in central Rio Grande Valley has it poised for vast growth as businesses find the advantages to relocating to the Rio Grande Valley near the U.S.-Mexico border.

  • Harlingen, Texas Civilian Labor Force 1990-2013
    Percent Change
    1990 Census
    2000 Census
    2008
    2013
    1990 to 2000
    2008 to 2013
    Age 16 + Population
    36,077
    41,403
    47,450
    50,558
    14.8%
    6.6%
    In Labor Force
    21,196
    58.8%
    26,401
    53.6%
    2,552
    53.2%
    27,344
    53.0%
    4.6%
    3.6%
    Employed
    19,094
    90.1%
    20,183
    91.0%
    24,738
    91.9%
    25,149
    91.9%
    5.7%
    1.7%
    Unemployed
    2,065
    9.7%
    1,958
    8.8%
    1,608
    7.9%
    2,147
    7.9%
    -5.2%
    33.5%
    In Armed Forces
    37
    0.1%
    37
    0.2%
    56
    0.1%
    49
    0.1%
    0.0%
    -12.5%
    Not In Labor Force
    14,881
    41.3%
    19,225
    46.4%
    2,148
    46.7%
    23,165
    46.9%
    29.2%
    978.4%
    Number of Employees (Daytime POP)
    34,025
    Number of Establishments
    2,905
    Emp in Blue Collar Occupations
    8,398
    41.6%
    Emp in White Collar Occupations
    11,821
    58.6%

    Source: Sites On Texas