Fairfield, Texas workforce encompasses a 5 county regional area comprised of Freestone, Anderson, Leon, Limestone and Navarro Counties. Our workforce is made up of multi-skilled, multi-faceted and adaptable employees. Commuting up to 35 miles one way is a common practice in the region. The regional workforce is loyal and takes pride in their work and accepts responsibility for the end product or service that they produce.
Regional Workforce Availability
The Fairfield region is experiencing steady population growth, with a 2.9% increase since 2018 and projections showing an additional 4.4% growth by 2028. With over 64,000 jobs in the area and a dedicated labor force of nearly 70,000, Fairfield is well-equipped to meet the workforce needs of diverse industries. The local labor participation rate remains strong, and despite the national trend of declining workforce engagement, Fairfield continues to provide a reliable labor supply for employers.
This area has seen notable growth in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics, creating a versatile pool of available talent. In addition, Fairfield’s strategic location along key Texas transportation routes connects it to Dallas and Houston, drawing in commuting talent and facilitating workforce availability for businesses in Fairfield and the surrounding counties.
Cost-Effective Labor Market
Businesses in Fairfield benefit from lower-than-average labor costs, making it a highly attractive location for industries focused on cost efficiency. In 2023, average earnings per job in Fairfield were $65,000, about $18,000 below the national average, which allows businesses to optimize their labor expenditures significantly without compromising access to skilled employees. This cost advantage is especially beneficial in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and food services, where operational costs can impact profitability.
Workforce Training and Education
Fairfield is committed to workforce development, providing training programs designed to meet the needs of growing industries. Key partnerships with institutions like Navarro College and the Heart of Texas Workforce Solutions have resulted in a well-established educational pipeline. In 2022, the region saw 1,291 graduates, many from fields directly applicable to in-demand sectors such as healthcare, technical skills, and vocational training.
Programs offered by these institutions include certifications and associate degrees in areas like nursing, general studies, and vocational training for technical skills. Furthermore, training initiatives supported by the Skills Development Grant ensure ongoing skills enhancement, which aligns local worker expertise with industry needs. This targeted workforce development makes Fairfield an ideal location for companies requiring specialized skills and a commitment to employee advancement.
All high school students in every school in Freestone County now have access to CTE courses with a curriculum from TSTC or Navarro College based on the individual high school program.
The Fairfield ISD has partnered with Texas State Technical College (TSTC) to offer Career & Technical Education (CTE) to high school students for skills needed to enter the immediate workforce or continue their advanced certificate or degree program at a technical college.
Regional Top Employers
Employee Range: 100-999
| Company Name | Employee Total | Industry |
| Watkins Construction Co LLC | 900 | Construction Company |
| Walmart Distribution Ctr | 700 | Distribution |
| Collin Street Bakery | 600 | Commercial Bakeries |
| Walmart Distribution Ctr | 500 | Distribution |
| Walmart Supercenter | 400 | Department Stores – Anderson County |
| Nucor Steel | 360 | Iron & Steel Mills & Ferroalloy Manufacturing |
| Walmart Supercenter | 350 | Department Stores – Navarro County |
| Walmart Supercenter | 345 | Department Stores – Limestone County |
| A L Helmcamp Inc | 300 | Construction Company |
| Guardian Industries Corp | 300 | Flat Glass Manufacturing |
| Long Industries | 260 | Welding Fabrication |
| NRG Texas | 250 | Power Plant |
| Navarro Pecan Co | 250 | Confectionery Merchant Wholesalers |
| Frazier & Frazier Industries | 230 | Steel Foundries |
| Oil City Iron Works | 200 | Metal Service Ctrs & Other Metal Merchant Whls |
| True Value Distribution Ctr | 200 | Distribution |
| W R Operating Inc | 200 | Contractor – Oilfield Services |
| Sanderson Farms | 150 | Poultry Processing |
| R Construction Co Inc | 150 | Construction Company |
| Home Depot | 150 | Home Centers |
| BNSF Railway Co | 130 | Railroads |
| 5 J Trucking LLC | 125 | Trucking-Heavy Hauling |
| Brookshire’s | 125 | Grocers-Retail |
| Ahlstrom Air Media LLC | 125 | Filter Manufacturers |
| Pactiv | 120 | Packaging Materials-Manufacturers |
| Lowe’s Home Improvement | 119 | Home Centers |
| Carry-On Trailer Inc | 115 | Trailers-Automobile Utility Sports Etc |
| Corsicana Bedding Inc | 115 | Mattresses/Foundations/Conv Beds (Mfrs) |
| Key Energy Svc | 100 | Oil Field Service |
| Texas Westmoreland Coal Co | 100 | Coal Mining & Shipping |
| Morgan Corp | 100 | Automobile Body-Manufacturers |