Employment in Hillsboro, Texas¶
Hillsboro, the county seat of Hill County, has a diverse economy with strong sectors in manufacturing, education, and retail. Its location on Interstate 35 makes it a key transportation and commerce hub between the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and Waco.
Major Industry Segments¶
The primary industry segments in Hillsboro are:
- Manufacturing: The city is home to several large manufacturing plants.
- Education: With a community college and a public school district, education is a major employer.
- Retail: A wide range of national and regional retailers operate in Hillsboro, serving both the local population and travelers.
- Healthcare: The city has a local hospital that serves the county.
- Government: As the county seat, government and public services are a significant source of employment.
Major Employers¶
Manufacturing¶
- IKO Industries Ltd.: A global leader in the manufacturing of roofing products, with a large, modern facility in Hillsboro. The plant was named the Regional Business of the Year by the Hillsboro Area Chamber of Commerce in 2021.
- Expected Roles: Production operators, maintenance technicians, engineers, quality control, and logistics personnel.
- Source: Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce
- UFP Industries, Inc.: A multi-billion dollar company with a plant in Hillsboro that supplies wood and wood-alternative products for construction, retail, and industrial markets.
- Expected Roles: Production workers, machine operators, logistics, sales, and administrative staff.
- Source: Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce
Education¶
- Hill College: A public community college with its main campus in Hillsboro, serving several counties in the region. Founded in 1923 as Hillsboro Junior College — the first municipal junior college chartered in Texas — it was renamed Hill College in 1985.
- Expected Roles: Faculty, adjunct instructors, administrative staff, student services personnel, and facilities management.
- Source: Hill College Website
- Hillsboro Independent School District: The public school system for the city of Hillsboro.
- Expected Roles: Teachers, administrators, support staff, and other education-related positions.
Healthcare¶
- Hill Regional Hospital: A 25-bed critical access hospital providing a range of medical services to the community.
- Expected Roles: Nurses, physicians, medical technicians, administrative staff, and support services.
- Source: Hill Regional Hospital Website
Retail & Travel¶
- Buc-ee's (Opened April 21, 2024): A 74,000-square-foot travel center at 165 State Highway 77 (I-35 at Hwy 77) with 120 fueling positions. A major destination for I-35 travelers. Employs approximately 200 workers. Features a large in-house food operation (BBQ, kolaches, fudge, jerky, pastries, etc.).
- Source: Hillsboro Chamber
- QuikTrip (Opened early 2024): A convenience store/fuel station with food service at 1405 Corsicana Hwy.
- Walmart: A major supercenter providing a wide range of retail goods and services.
- Brookshire Grocery Company: A regional supermarket chain.
- Love's Travel Stop: A national chain of truck stops and convenience stores.
- Tractor Supply Company: A retail chain for farm and ranch supplies.
Coming Soon — Outlets at Hillsboro Redevelopment ($75M)¶
Dallas-based Glaser Retail Partners purchased the defunct Outlets at Hillsboro mall and began demolition in June 2025. The 43-acre I-35 northbound frontage site will be redeveloped into: - 200,000 sq ft of retail/restaurant space across 43 acres - 230,000 sq ft of industrial/distribution space on an adjacent 15 acres - Confirmed restaurant tenants: Chick-fil-A, Chili's Grill & Bar, Panda Express, Waffle House (4 of 11 planned spots) - Projected jobs: ~400 total - Opening: Phases beginning spring–summer 2026 - Source: KWTX Oct 2025, Hillsboro Chamber
Manufacturing (Additional)¶
- E4 Holdings / United Container Group (Launched May 2025): A manufacturer of custom-engineered tanks and containers for energy, agriculture, water treatment, and logistics sectors. Expanded E4's existing Hillsboro industrial footprint (which includes Texas Tank Works). Developed by Lancaster Diamond Properties.
- Source: Hillsboro EDC
Government¶
- City of Hillsboro: The municipal government employs staff across various departments.
- Expected Roles: Public works, administration, police and fire departments, and other city services.
- Source: City of Hillsboro Website
Career Opportunities¶
Hillsboro's diverse economy provides a wide array of job opportunities. The manufacturing sector offers skilled and semi-skilled positions, while the education and healthcare sectors provide stable, long-term career paths. The city's strong retail presence, bolstered by its location on a major interstate, creates numerous jobs in customer service and management. The presence of the county government and a community college further diversifies the employment landscape.
This information is based on publicly available data and is subject to change. For the most current job openings, it is recommended to consult online job boards and the websites of the companies listed.