Odessa Area of Economic Development

Odessa Region for Business

Odessa offers strong infrastructure and an outstanding business climate to help companies achieve success.

Nestled in the heart of the Permian Basin – the No. 1 producer of oil and gas in the U.S. – Odessa is home to major companies within the oil and gas industry and beyond. Diverse industries continue to develop in Odessa, including technology, logistics, manufacturing and more. Serving as the crucial midpoint between Fort Worth and El Paso, Odessa has access to multi-lane interstates and an advanced transportation system. Odessa’s proximity to major markets within Texas and beyond provides businesses with opportunities for domestic and international trade. Odessa is the epicenter of West Texas commerce, with plenty of sites and properties available to choose from to expand your business.

Rankings

A man wearing protective ear equipment works on a computer in a manufacturing facility.

#2 largest year over year percentage gains in employment (7.8 %) (Odessa)

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2023

Odessa Economic Strengths

Learn more about the economic strengths and business advantages that this metro area offers.

The Navasota Power Plant with large metal equipment lit up at night by lampposts
Three college graduates wearing black gowns and black caps with yellow tassels smile at the camera.
A plane gets ready to take off at Schlemeyer Airport in Odessa, Texas.
  • Business Climate
  • Talent
  • Infrastructure
Business Climate
The Navasota Power Plant with large metal equipment lit up at night by lampposts

A Diverse Cluster of Companies

Odessa’s strong economy is supported by companies across a range of business sectors in energy, manufacturing and more.

Major business clusters in Odessa include energy, manufacturing, transportation and distribution. Major employers include Bobby Cox Companies, Halliburton, Investment Corporation of America, Keane Group, Saulsbury Companies, Telvista and Weatherford.

Talent
Three college graduates wearing black gowns and black caps with yellow tassels smile at the camera.

A Robust Higher Education System Fuels the Talent Pipeline

Burgeoning talent in Odessa is educated across a variety of disciplines, with a special focus on the health and life sciences field.

Odessa’s higher education assets include Odessa College and UT Permian Basin. Health-related education institutions include Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center–Odessa.

Infrastructure
A plane gets ready to take off at Schlemeyer Airport in Odessa, Texas.

A Hearty Infrastructure to Support Your Business

Strong infrastructure in Odessa includes travel for both people and goods via rail, car and plane.

The I-20 highway supports road transportation in Odessa, while the Midland International Airport supports air travel. Major Class I railroad carrier services offer reliable transportation by rail.