Jobs & Employment in Southeast Texas

Healthcare · Beaumont

The largest healthcare employer in Southeast Texas, operating CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth (Beaumont), CHRISTUS St. Mary (Port Arthur), and a network of clinics, specialty practices, and ambulatory care facilities.

Petrochemical / Refining · Beaumont

ExxonMobil operates a major refinery and chemical plant complex in Beaumont, one of the company's largest US facilities. The complex employs thousands directly and thousands more through contractors.

Petroleum Refining · Port Arthur

Motiva (Saudi Aramco/Shell) operates the largest oil refinery in the United States at 630,000 barrels per day in Port Arthur, with extensive staff across all process, engineering, and support functions.

Higher Education · Beaumont

Lamar University is a major public employer in Beaumont, with faculty, staff, and administration across all university departments. LU also generates significant indirect employment through student spending.

Healthcare · Beaumont

Baptist Hospitals operates a 349-bed hospital and extensive outpatient network in Beaumont, making it one of the top non-government employers in Southeast Texas.

Maritime / Logistics · Beaumont

The Port of Beaumont is one of the leading military logistics ports in the United States and a major cargo port. Port operations generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs in logistics, stevedoring, warehousing, and transportation.

Petroleum Refining · Port Arthur

TotalEnergies operates a major refinery (~255,000 bbl/day) in Port Arthur with significant workforce in operations, engineering, and maintenance.

Specialty Chemicals · Port Arthur / Orange

Huntsman operates major specialty chemical manufacturing facilities in the Southeast Texas area, including MDI production. The company is a significant employer in both Port Arthur and Orange.

Government · Beaumont

Jefferson County government, City of Beaumont, and related public entities (ISD, courts, utilities) are among the largest combined employers in the region, providing stable public sector employment.

Chemical Manufacturing · Beaumont / Port Neches

BASF operates chemical manufacturing facilities in Southeast Texas, including major operations in the Mid-County area. The company employs engineers, process technicians, and skilled maintenance workers.

National Center for Construction Education & Research

NCCER certification is the industry standard for craft workers in petrochemical construction and maintenance. Employers throughout the Beaumont-Port Arthur corridor require or strongly prefer NCCER certification for craft positions. Available through Lamar Institute of Technology and trade programs.

Transportation Worker Identification Credential

A TWIC card is a federal access credential required for all unescorted workers at maritime facilities and many petrochemical plants in Southeast Texas. Required for the majority of industrial jobs in the Beaumont-Port Arthur area. Obtained through TSA enrollment.

Commercial Driver's License Class A

A CDL-A is required for driving tractor-trailers and heavy commercial vehicles. With additional endorsements (Hazmat, Tanker), CDL-A drivers earn premium rates hauling petrochemicals, liquids, and hazardous materials throughout the Gulf Coast corridor.

Texas Electrician License (Journeyman or Master)

Texas requires a state electrician license for electrical work. The Journeyman license requires 8,000 hours of apprenticeship and passing a state exam. Master Electrician requires additional experience and testing. Essential for commercial and industrial electrical work throughout SETX.

Process Technology Associate Degree or Certificate

A Process Technology degree or certificate from LIT or LSCP is the primary academic pathway to becoming a refinery process technician earning $75,000-$120,000/year. Industry demand far exceeds supply of graduates, creating near-100% placement rates.

EPA Section 608 HVAC Certification

Required by federal law for anyone who works with refrigerants in HVAC systems. Type I (small appliances), Type II (high-pressure), Type III (low-pressure), and Universal certifications. Essential for HVAC technicians in Southeast Texas's hot, humid climate market.