Texas Has More Veterans Than Any Other State
More veterans call Texas home than any other state. As of 2024, an estimated 1,534,356 service members make up the backbone of Texas’s local economy, which is over 47,000 more veterans than California — the only other states that even come close to our numbers.
Texas also leads the charge in veteran-owned businesses (including women-owned businesses) and contributes $100 billion to the economy through the 15 active military installations.
In Texas, honoring our veterans means more than just words—it’s action. As Laura Koerner, Chairwoman of the Texas Veterans Commission and a U.S. Navy veteran, put it: “More veterans choose Texas because here, we truly care for our own.”
Beyond gratitude, Texas provides tangible support to ensure veterans thrive in civilian life. From workforce development initiatives to employment opportunities and a vibrant quality of life, Texas is committed to honoring its heroes.
Workforce Development Initiatives
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) spearheads various initiatives that support veterans in their transition to civilian careers.
Veterans and their families connect with employers through statewide events like the annual Hiring Red, White & You!, sponsored in partnership with the Office of the Governor, local workforce boards, Texas Veterans Commission, and the Texas Medical Center.
Additional Texas workforce development partnerships with the Workforce Solutions network and military transition assistance programs facilitate successful ventures into civilian employment, education, and technical training.
The TVC has services for veteran job seekers and employers looking to hire veterans. Veteran Career Advisors provide individual career services including job coaching, interview skills, and resume development. This is an important connection for transitioning military service members. Veteran Employer Liaisons serve as a link between companies needing qualified Texas veterans seeking employment. They are located in local Texas Workforce Solutions Centers.
Visit https://www.twc.texas.gov/services/veterans and https://tvc.texas.gov/employment/ for a complete list of services.
Major Employers Fostering Veteran Employment
In Texas, veterans find not just employment, but a welcoming community that values their contributions and supports their continued success in civilian life. Over 1,060 Texas-based employers proudly display “We Hire Vets” decals and receive up to $9,600 per veteran hired in Work Opportunity Tax Credit benefits.
Across a broad spectrum of industries, major employers in Texas actively seek out veterans, acknowledging their unique skills and experiences. From aerospace and aviation giants like Lockheed Martin, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, to energy leaders such as Exxon Mobil, and automotive innovator Toyota, opportunities abound for veterans with backgrounds in engineering, aviation, operations, and logistics. Institutions like the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Texas A&M University, AT&T, and Dell eagerly welcome veterans with technical proficiency and interest in innovative research.
Entrepreneurial veterans find fertile ground in Texas, a leading state for small business growth, currently ranking as the 8th best state to start a business.
Quality of Life in Texas
Beyond employment, the quality of life in Texas is “bigger and better,” too. America’s second-largest state features scenic landscapes from coastal beaches and deserts to mountains and wide-open prairies. The Woodlands earned national recognition as one of the best neighborhoods to buy a home and raise a family in the nation.
Thriving metropolitan centers like Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and Austin, provide diverse cultural offerings and experiences for residents. From delicious barbecue and live music to sports and state parks, Texas truly has something for everyone, making it an ideal place for veterans and their families to call home.