Austin, Texas – According to data released today from the Texas Workforce Commission, the Austin-Round Rock MSA* unemployment rate decreased slightly from August 2022 to September 2022, and is now 2.8%**, as represented by 38,033 unemployed residents. Key takeaways include:
- The Austin metro unemployment rate remains below Texas (3.8%) and national (3.3%) rates.
- According to TWC, the Austin metro gained 5,200 jobs from August to September. The region has experienced an annual growth rate of 4%, representing the collective addition of 64,400 jobs since September 2021.
- Furthermore, TWC reports unemployment in the Capital Area/Travis County region*** also decreased to 2.8% from August to September, representing 22,057 unemployed residents.
- Note: The unemployment data released today is not seasonally adjusted.
September Job Growth/Losses by Industry in the Austin-Round Rock MSA:
- Monthly Increases: Industries that experienced regional job growth from August to September include government (4,800), mining, logging and construction (1,600) and other services (600).
- Other industries that experienced monthly job growth include professional and business services (400), financial activities (100), and leisure and hospitality (100).
- Monthly Decreases: Trade, transportation and utilities (-1,000) and education and health services (-1,000) experienced the greatest regional job losses from August to September.
- Annual Increases: Leisure and hospitality experienced the greatest regional job growth over the past 12 months with an increase of 15.3%, followed by education and health services (8.2%) and professional and business services (7.0%).
- Other industries that experienced annual job growth include manufacturing (6.7%), information (5.9%), financial activities (4.2%) and trade, transportation and utilities (4.2%).
- Annual Decreases: Mining, logging and construction jobs experienced a decrease (-2.3%).
“At a time when inflation is a growing consideration, we’re keeping a close watch on market indicators such as wages, job postings and unemployment rate to respond to the needs of our community’s workforce most effectively,” Tamara Atkinson, CEO of Workforce Solutions Capital Area, said. “Just this month we launched a co-location partnership with Austin Community College that allows students to have direct access to funding and training for high-skilled and high-paying careers at no cost to them.”
Data shows that ACC students who receive funding for career training through community-based partners such as Workforce Solutions Capital Area are 1.7 times more likely to complete their education faster than those who do not receive support. The new partnership improves continuing education outcomes by making it easier for Austinites to access free training directly on the Northridge Campus.
Workforce Solutions Capital Area is also helping to connect job seekers with disabilities to meaningful employment opportunities through their upcoming Texas HireAbility Capital Area Job Fair on October 25.
“Through our partnership with Texas Workforce Solutions Vocational Rehabilitation Services, we are proud to bring employers from across Central Texas together to meet and recruit local talent with disabilities,” Melanie Flowers, board chair for Workforce Solutions Capital Area, said. “These employers are fostering a culture of inclusion and creating a place for job seekers with disabilities to explore their career options.”
Workforce Solutions Capital Area’s three career centers across Austin are available by phone, email, or in-person to serve residents and businesses impacted by economic changes caused by COVID-19. Residents seeking assistance can contact 512-454-9675 or visit wfscapitalarea.com to learn about services and resources for job seekers, employers, parents, and students.
Workforce Solutions Capital Area is the non-profit organization that serves as the leadership and governing body for the Austin/Travis County area workforce system. They are responsible for the planning, oversight, and evaluation of workforce development activities in the Capital Area. Learn more at WFSCapitalArea.com and follow along on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
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*The Austin-Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area includes Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson counties.
**Unemployment rates listed are not seasonally adjusted.
***The Capital Area Workforce Development Area includes Travis County.
