AUSTIN – The Austin-Round Rock MSA* unemployment rate dropped from 3.8% in August 2021 to 3.5%** in September 2021, representing 45,968 unemployed residents, according to the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).
- The Austin metro’s unemployment rate remained below Texas (4.9%) and national (4.6%) rates.
- According to TWC, the Austin metro added 12,900 jobs from August 2021 to September 2021. The region has experienced an annual growth rate of 7.4%, representing the collective gain of 79,700 jobs since September 2020.
- Further, TWC reports unemployment in the Capital Area/Travis County*** region dropped from 3.7% in August 2021 to 3.5% in September 2021, representing 26,886 unemployed residents.
The unemployment rate measures the share of workers in the labor force who do not currently have a job but are actively looking for work. It does not include residents who have exited the labor force and are not currently seeking employment.
“Austin is a top performer for job growth when compared to other U.S. metros,” said Tamara Atkinson, Chief Executive Officer at Workforce Solutions Capital Area. “Residents here have an abundance of career opportunities available, but those with the right skills will have the advantage to secure the region’s higher-paying, in-demand jobs.”
“Whether you’re looking for work now or want training for in-demand skills, we encourage you to reach out to Workforce Solutions Capital Area,” Atkinson said. “We can help guide you through your career search or career switch, with supports to help you secure a job including interview prep, childcare scholarships, transportation, and more.”
September Job Growth/Losses by Industry in the Austin-Round Rock MSA:
- Monthly Increases: Industries that experienced a significant increase in regional job growth from August to September include Government (7,300), Leisure & Hospitality (3,700), Education & Health Services (1,800), and Financial Activities (1,100).
- Other industries that experienced month-to-month job growth include Manufacturing (700) and Other Services (700).
- Monthly Decreases: Professional & Business Services (-2,300) and Trade, Transportation, & Utilities (-600).
- Annual Increases: Leisure & Hospitality experienced the greatest regional job growth over the last 12 months with an increase of 23.6%, followed by Professional & Business Services (11.4%), and Financial Activities (6.6%).
- Other industries that experienced annual job growth include Trade, Transportation & Utilities (6.5%), Information (6.3%), and Other Services (6.3%).
- Annual Decreases: No Industries have experienced an annual decrease in regional job growth.
The connection between job training and Austin affordability
Workforce development community-based organizations, training providers, and employers are coming together to shape the Hire Local Plan to help address the Austin area’s affordability crisis. The plan, which is the next iteration of the 2017 Community Workforce Plan, has a goal to improve economically disadvantaged residents’ access to better economic opportunities by preparing local people for in-demand careers through job training.
To learn more and provide input on the plan, visit our microsite.
“Workforce Solutions Capital Area is doubling down on the system-strengthening data alignment elements of our Community Workforce Plan,” said Melanie Flowers, Chair of the Board of Directors for Workforce Solutions Capital Area. “In today’s workforce environment, it’s clear to us that you earn what you learn. We are here to support access to skills education for Central Texans, particularly for students and workers hardest hit by the economic impacts of the pandemic.”
Texas veterans are invited to the annual Hiring Red, White & You hiring event in November
Workforce Solutions will host the annual Hiring Red, White, & You job fair in-person and virtually on November 4. This no-cost event connects transitioning service members, military spouses, National Guard, Reserve, veterans, and their family members with employers hiring now and resource providers.
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 us at 512.549.4967 or visit wfscapitalarea.com to learn about our many services and resources for job seekers, employers, parents, and students.
Workforce Solutions Capital Area Workforce Board is the publicly-funded workforce board for Austin-Travis County. Through strong partnerships and strategic collaborations, Workforce Solutions is leading the region’s workforce system in the development of a world-class workforce.
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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.
