Lofton 2025 Gulf South Temporary Staffing Trends Report

December 1, 2024
by Lofton Staffing

The Gulf South region, encompassing Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and parts of Florida, is essential to key U.S. industries such as oil and gas, healthcare, construction, manufacturing, and hospitality. Each of these sectors has specific workforce needs, especially in temporary staffing, which has become increasingly vital. In 2025, temporary staffing in the Gulf South is driven by economic demands and a notable shortage of skilled labor. This report explores industry trends, supported by recent data, to provide insight into workforce needs and opportunities.

Key Temporary Staffing Trends and Data

1. Oil & Gas Industry

Trend Overview:
The oil and gas industry remains a cornerstone of the Gulf South economy, especially in Texas and Louisiana. While the industry has experienced cycles of fluctuation, the recovery of oil prices and rising global demand are driving renewed exploration and production, particularly in the Permian Basin and the Gulf of Mexico.

Statistics & Data:

• Job Growth: Temporary staffing for oil and gas roles in the Gulf South is expected to increase by 5% in 2025 as oil prices stabilize.
• Skill Shortages: 58% of oil and gas companies report significant skilled labor shortages, especially among rig operators and maintenance technicians.
• Automation Roles: Over 30% of Gulf South oil companies are hiring temporary IT and robotics specialists to support automation initiatives, with investment in automation expected to rise by 22% over the next two years.

Top Roles in Demand:

• Rig Operators
• Pipeline Technicians
• Safety Inspectors
• Robotics Technicians

2. Healthcare Industry

Trend Overview:
The healthcare industry in the Gulf South is growing rapidly due to an aging population, higher rates of chronic illness, and increased healthcare needs post-COVID. Texas and Florida are leading in establishing healthcare facilities, particularly in urban and retirement-friendly areas.

Statistics & Data:

• Overall Staffing Demand: Temporary staffing for healthcare roles is projected to grow by 20% in 2025, particularly for nursing and allied health professions.
• Nursing Shortages: Across the Gulf South, 85% of healthcare facilities report nurse shortages, a figure expected to increase by 3% annually if unaddressed.
• Telehealth Roles: Approximately 40% of healthcare facilities in the Gulf South have expanded telehealth services, creating demand for temporary IT support and telehealth coordinators.
• Population Impact: The Gulf South has one of the fastest-aging populations in the U.S., with individuals aged 65+ projected to increase by 4.8% by 2025, further driving healthcare staffing needs.

Top Roles in Demand:

• Registered Nurses
• Allied Health Professionals (e.g., respiratory and physical therapists)
• Telehealth Coordinators
• Medical Coders

3. Construction Industry

Trend Overview:
Driven by urban growth, disaster recovery, and infrastructure projects, the construction industry in the Gulf South is booming. However, this growth is tempered by a shortage of skilled tradespeople, creating intense demand for temporary staffing to fill essential roles.

Statistics & Data:

• Growth in Temporary Staffing: Reliance on temporary workers in the construction industry is projected to increase by 18% in 2025.
• Skilled Trade Deficits: The region has a 30% gap in qualified electricians, welders, and carpenters.
• Infrastructure Spending: Federal and state infrastructure spending in the Gulf South is expected to exceed $100 billion in 2025, fueling demand for temporary project-based roles.
• Safety Compliance: Nearly 70% of construction firms are hiring temporary safety inspectors and compliance officers to meet stringent OSHA requirements.

Top Roles in Demand:

• Electricians
• Welders
• Safety Inspectors
• Heavy Equipment Operators

4. Manufacturing Industry

Trend Overview:
Manufacturing in the Gulf South has rebounded due to reshoring initiatives, supply chain realignment, and advancements in automation. Texas, Mississippi, and Alabama are key manufacturing hubs, emphasizing staffing flexibility and skill diversity.

Statistics & Data:

• Temporary Workforce Growth: Manufacturing is expected to see a 16% increase in temporary staffing, with high demand in quality control, maintenance, and production roles.
• Reshoring Impact: Approximately 25% of Gulf South manufacturers are engaged in reshoring initiatives, increasing labor demand.
• Automation and AI Roles: 35% of manufacturing firms in Texas and Mississippi report increased hiring of temporary automation specialists, robotics engineers, and AI technicians.
• Turnover Rates: Temporary staffing is used to address a 10% annual turnover in critical skilled positions.

Top Roles in Demand:

• Quality Control Inspectors
• Maintenance Technicians
• Robotics Engineers
• AI Specialists

5. Hospitality and Tourism

Trend Overview:
The Gulf South is a premier tourist destination, with Florida, Texas, and Louisiana leading the way. Temporary staffing in this industry is highly seasonal, with peak demand during holiday seasons and spring/summer months.

Statistics & Data:

• Seasonal Demand Increase: Temporary staffing demand in hospitality is projected to rise by 14% in 2025.
• High Turnover: Hospitality has one of the highest turnover rates, averaging 73% annually, necessitating a steady influx of temporary workers.
• Customer Experience Focus: 65% of hospitality employers report hiring more customer experience specialists on a temporary basis to improve guest satisfaction.
• Occupancy Growth: Occupancy rates in Gulf South hotels are projected to grow by 3.5% in 2025, driving demand for support roles such as housekeeping and front desk staff.

Top Roles in Demand:

• Housekeepers
• Customer Service Representatives
• Event Planners
• Maintenance Workers

6. Business Administration

Trend Overview:
The business administration sector in the Gulf South is seeing significant demand for temporary staffing, driven by corporate restructuring, economic volatility, and increased reliance on digital transformation. This trend is particularly pronounced in Texas and Florida, where business growth and corporate relocations continue to outpace the national average.

Statistics & Data:

• Overall Staffing Demand: Temporary staffing in business administration is projected to increase by 17% in 2025, particularly for roles in finance, project management, and human resources.
• Corporate Relocations: Texas alone saw a 12% increase in corporate relocations from 2024 to 2025, with many companies relying on temporary workers for initial setup and transition phases.
• Digital Transformation: As businesses adopt new digital tools, demand for temporary IT support, project managers, and tech-skilled administrative assistants has grown by 22%.
• Hybrid and Remote Work: Approximately 45% of Gulf South companies in business administration now offer hybrid or fully remote roles, leading to a rise in temporary remote administrative and customer support staffing.

Top Roles in Demand:

• Administrative Assistants
• Financial Analysts and Accountants
• Human Resources Specialists
• Project Managers

Cross-Industry Trends and Data

1. Digital and Remote Workforce Solutions:
   Remote work is increasingly viable, particularly in administration, IT, and customer service roles. In 2025, 35% of administrative and IT roles are expected to be filled by remote temporary workers in the Gulf South.
2. Emphasis on Workforce Flexibility and Cost Control:
   Nearly 70% of Gulf South businesses cite workforce flexibility as a top reason for hiring temporary staff, with 45% citing cost control as a secondary reason. Temporary staffing enables firms to manage costs and adapt to fluctuating demand.
3. Increased Compliance Staffing:
   With stricter regulations, companies are employing temporary compliance officers, safety inspectors, and auditors. Compliance-related roles have grown by 18% in 2025, especially in oil and gas, construction, and healthcare.
4. Upskilling and Certifications:
   To meet skilled labor demands, temporary staffing agencies are prioritizing certified workers. Over 30% of Gulf South agencies offer training and certification programs, particularly in skilled trades, healthcare, and IT, to improve job placement and meet client needs.

 

Looking at the Year Ahead: In 2025, demand for temporary staffing is surging across healthcare, construction, manufacturing, and more in the Gulf South. This trend is fueled by economic growth, labor shortages, automation, and an aging population. Employers increasingly rely on temporary staff to address these challenges while maintaining compliance and cost control.

Healthcare, construction, and manufacturing lead this trend, with temporary staffing firms playing a vital role in meeting workforce demands in the Gulf South. Looking ahead, 2025 emphasizes flexibility, specialized skills, and digital solutions to keep the Gulf South economy competitive and thriving.

Make Lofton Staffing Your Partner for Success

Lofton Staffing is the Gulf South leader in temporary staffing. As the largest privately-owned staffing company founded in the Gulf South over 40 years ago, Lofton understands the region’s key industries and has unmatched expertise in meeting seasonal and project-based demands. Make Lofton your staffing partner of record, and let us help you meet the dynamic staffing needs of your business. Call for a free consultation today!