Texas has become a national leader in the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (PST) industry, driven by strong real estate trends and sustained job growth. This growth has occurred even as remote work and AI reshape demand patterns. PST roles continue to hold the highest remote work share of any industry, and AI-based productivity boosts make PST firms less tethered to the major metro areas like Dallas and Houston.
Tyler’s Affordability Advantage
Tyler offers a compelling value proposition, with cost of living about 7% below the national average. This affordability, combined with the connectivity of remote work and the productivity-enhancing technology of AI, position Tyler as an appealing alternative for PST businesses and talent seeking lower operational costs.
What Tyler Brings to the Table
Despite being the 17th-most populated metro area in Texas, Tyler ranks 10th in both PST establishments and employment. There are a few reasons for this, including:
- Lower operational expenses, thanks to more affordable office space and living costs.
- Remote-friendly workforce, aligning with the PST sector’s growing flexibility.
- Growth potential, as firms seek markets that balance talent, affordability, and modern work models.
However, infrastructure factors (like transit, broadband, talent pool size) still favor larger cities. Tyler’s challenge is to develop those assets further to fully capitalize on the evolving PST landscape.
What Tyler Can Do Next
To meet those challenges, there are a few ideas Tyler can consider implementing to attract more PST jobs.
Transit:
- Add guaranteed first/last shift windows tied to major PST employers such as consultancies, labs, and data/engineering.
- Pilot a limited-stop coach linking Tyler with Longview and DFW-rail hubs during peak commuter hours, structuring it with TxDOT support as I-20 construction phases come online.
Broadband:
- Treat gig-speed as a basic utility for every job site, including using Texas’ Broadband Development Office BEAD funds.
- Take advantage of Optimum’s recently-announced, multi-million dollar, 15-year partnership with the city of Tyler to invest in fiber upgrades and broaden high-speed reach.
Talent Pool:
- Scale a technical workforce by implementing apprenticeships with UT Tyler/TJC to offer degrees or micro-credentials in AI/data, embedded systems, geospatial, etc.
- Create a “Remote-to-Rooted” program with furnished lab/cowork benches, enterprise fiber, microtransit passes, and a hiring concierge targeting upcoming graduates.
As Texas cements its place at the forefront of the professional services economy, Tyler is poised to evolve from a regional hub into a strategic player in the state’s next growth wave. By expanding its transit connections, investing in resilient broadband, cultivating a future-ready talent base, and integrating complementary real estate developments, Tyler can leverage its strengths to build a flexible, connected ecosystem where innovation, talent, and value converge.
Originally published in the Tyler Morning Telegraph.
