In-Demand Hospitality Jobs in Texas for 2026
As Texas gears up for 2026, new insights from OysterLink reveal a significant surge in the demand for hospitality roles within the state. With data compiled from over 21,000 job postings from October to December of 2025, it’s evident that essential positions are at the forefront of hiring needs. This growth is largely influenced by Texas's population increase, thriving tourism industry, and continuous development in the hospitality sector.
Key Roles in High Demand
The analysis categorically places back-of-house and operations roles at the pinnacle of hiring figures. Cooks, janitors, delivery drivers, and porters stand out as the top positions being sought after, primarily due to persistent labor shortages and high staff turnover in those areas.
In terms of front-of-house positions, roles such as cashiers, hosts, servers, bartenders, and baristas are also being heavily recruited. Additionally, there is a steady demand for managerial roles, including restaurant managers and hotel managers, indicating a robust focus on leadership within the industry.
Top Hospitality Roles and Job Postings
The following table illustrates the top hospitality jobs in Texas for 2026 based on the data acquired:
| Rank | Job Title | Total Job Posts |
|---|
| -- | ----- | --- |
| 1 | Cook | 1,438 |
| 2 | Janitor | 1,145 |
| 3 | Delivery Driver | 1,044 |
| 4 | Porter | 1,032 |
| 5 | Housekeeper | 716 |
| 6 | Kitchen Manager | 700 |
| 7 | Cashier | 698 |
| 8 | Line Cook | 661 |
| 9 | Host | 637 |
| 10 | Concierge | 624 |
Implications for the Hospitality Industry
The data suggests that Texas's hospitality sector remains focused on filling high-volume operational roles. Employers are prioritizing reliability, adaptability, and speed in the hiring process, with a concentrated effort on vital roles that maintain everyday functionality.
Milos Eric, Co-Founder and General Manager at OysterLink, comments, "Texas hospitality employers are hiring at scale, but the concentration of postings in essential roles shows how much pressure the industry is under. To stay competitive in 2026, businesses will need to focus not just on filling positions, but on retention."
This insight underlines the adaptive landscape within the Texas hospitality industry, where the emphasis lies on core roles vital for operational efficiency amid a backdrop of continuous growth.
About OysterLink
OysterLink serves as a pivotal platform for professionals within the restaurant and hospitality sectors, reaching over 400,000 visitors monthly. It connects job seekers with opportunities nationwide, showcasing the most lucrative openings, particularly for cooks in Austin and housekeepers in Houston.
For industry insights, data reports, or job postings, visit
www.oysterlink.com.