What the New Texas Apartment Industry Workforce Study Means for Our Members

What the New Texas Apartment Industry Workforce Study Means for Our Members

The Texas Apartment Association Education Foundation recently released a new workforce research study examining how Texans view careers in the apartment industry and what motivates them to apply, stay, and grow in these roles.

The study surveyed 1,500 Texans between the ages of 18 and 58, offering valuable insight into public perceptions of apartment industry careers and the factors that influence career decisions.

The results contain encouraging news for our industry—but they also highlight areas where we can improve how we recruit, educate, and retain talent in our communities here in West Texas.

The Industry Has Strong Interest — But Awareness Matters

One of the most encouraging findings from the study is that Texans generally have a positive view of the apartment industry as a place to build a career.

More than half of respondents reported having a favorable perception of working in the industry, with even stronger interest among Gen Z and younger Millennials.

However, the research also revealed an important factor that influences perception: familiarity.

Texans who understand what apartment community jobs actually involve—whether it’s leasing, maintenance, resident services, or management—are significantly more likely to consider the industry as a career option.

For apartment operators in Lubbock and across West Texas, this reinforces an important opportunity:

The more we introduce people to the real career paths available in our industry, the stronger our local talent pipeline becomes.

That can happen through:

• Career fairs and workforce partnerships

• Internships and entry-level positions

• Community outreach and education

• Job shadowing opportunities for students and young professionals

When people see the impact and stability of apartment careers firsthand, interest grows quickly.

Apartment Careers Offer Benefits Many People Value

The study also highlighted several benefits that make apartment industry careers appealing to job seekers.

Some of the most notable findings include:

• 71% of Texans recognize that apartment communities play an important role in meeting housing needs.

• Nearly half of Texans say they have considered working in the apartment industry at some point.

• 72% would consider working in an apartment community if discounted or free housing were offered.

In addition to housing incentives, respondents identified several other factors that make the industry attractive:

• Competitive pay

• Strong benefits

• Job stability

• Opportunities for career advancement

• The ability to build transferable professional skills

These findings reinforce what many LAA members already know: apartment careers often provide long-term career paths, not just short-term jobs.

Perception Gaps Still Exist

While interest in the industry is strong, the study also identified several misconceptions that can prevent people from applying.

For example, many respondents were surprised to learn that some apartment industry roles can pay as much as or more than entry-level technology jobs.

Another major barrier involves education requirements.

The study found that 67% of Texans have avoided applying for certain jobs because they believed they lacked the necessary degree or certification, even when those positions offer training or on-the-job learning.

For apartment communities, this highlights the importance of clear job descriptions and better messaging about career pathways.

Simple changes—like emphasizing training opportunities, certifications, and advancement potential—can make a significant difference in attracting qualified candidates.

Retention Starts with the First 30 Days

Recruitment is only part of the equation. The study also emphasizes that employee retention often depends on the earliest stages of employment.

The first month on the job plays a critical role in building employee confidence and long-term engagement.

Some of the most effective retention practices identified in the study include:

• Hands-on training during onboarding

• Job shadowing with experienced team members

• Clear expectations and performance goals

• Strong leadership and supportive management

• A workplace culture built on respect and professionalism

When new hires feel supported, prepared, and valued, they are far more likely to stay and grow within the organization.

For apartment communities in Lubbock, investing time in onboarding and mentorship can pay long-term dividends in team stability and performance.

Read the Full Study

If you would like to explore the full research findings and recommendations, the complete study is available through the Texas Apartment Association Education Foundation:

https://taaef.taa.org/research/

The report offers additional insights that can help property owners, managers, and suppliers better understand how to strengthen the workforce pipeline across Texas.

Resources for Hiring in Lubbock

If your community is currently hiring, the Lubbock Apartment Association offers several resources to help you connect with local talent.

You can post open positions in the LAA Job Bank, which helps connect apartment communities with job seekers interested in multifamily careers:

https://www.laamembers.com/job-bank

LAA members can also partner with Intersolutions Staffing, a staffing firm that specializes in placing professionals within the apartment industry:

https://www.laamembers.com/buyers-guide/intersolutions-staffing

Building a strong workforce takes a community effort. By working together and utilizing the resources available through LAA and TAA, we can continue to strengthen the apartment industry workforce here in Lubbock and across West Texas. 🤝