Trends sees growth in O&G jobs in 2026

Kristen Nelson

Petroleum News

Alaska Economic Trends, the monthly publication of the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, said in its January issue on the 2026 jobs forecast that it expects the state to add 3,000 jobs this year, topped by growth in oil and gas, health care, construction and transportation.

The lead article, by economist Karinne Wiebold, cites Pikka moving into production as a driver in the increase in oil and gas jobs in the state.

From a monthly average of 8,300 jobs in 2024, the oil and gas industry grew 8.4% in 2025 to 9,000 jobs, a 700-job increase, and is forecast to add 1,000 jobs this year, an 11.1% increase, to average 10,000 jobs over the year.

Industry projects boosting construction and transportation, Wiebold said, include Pikka, where construction wrapped up late last year, and Willow, where work will continue for several years.

There has been a growth of 2,300 jobs in oil and gas since that industry hit a low of 6,700 jobs in 2021, Wiebold said, with production remaining "remarkably stable despite the big COVID-era employment drop and partial rebound since."

The 1,000-job increase expected in oil and gas this year comes as Pikka moves into production, she said, and overall activity rises.

Oil and gas employment continues to increase in Anchorage, said economist Sam Tappen, "but remains at about half of its 2015 peak of 3,800 jobs," with major companies headquartering in Anchorage and hiring locally. The industry is forecast to add 100 jobs this year.

--KRISTEN NELSON