AUSTIN – The Austin-Round Rock MSA* unemployment dropped from 3.4% in October 2021 to 3.2%** in November 2021, representing 42,451 unemployed residents, according to data released today from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).
- The Austin metro unemployment rate remained below Texas (4.5%) and national (3.9%) rates.
- According to TWC, the Austin metro added 11,800 jobs from October 2021 to November 2021. The region has experienced an annual growth rate of 7.8%, representing the collective gain of 85,800 jobs since November 2020.
- Further, TWC reports unemployment in the Capital Area/Travis County*** region dropped from 3.3% in October 2021 to 3.1% in November 2021, representing 24,786 unemployed residents.
Local demand for workers outpaces the number of unemployed workers, according to a recent Workforce Solutions Capital Area report. Additionally, many unemployed workers from key industries reportedly have earned less than an associate’s degree, suggesting many have a need for further training or education to advance in these industries.
“Austin-area businesses are hiring, and employers in the region are willing to pay higher wages for skilled workers. Still, the labor market remains tight,” said Tamara Atkinson, CEO at Workforce Solutions Capital Area. “Many sectors report difficulty finding the talent to fill critical roles, and residents motivated to take these higher-pay positions often lack the required skills.”
“Job seekers have the power in today’s tight labor market,” Atkinson said. “Having the right skills can help workers step into the region’s higher-paying, in-demand jobs. Workforce Solutions Capital Area is your one-stop shop for assistance. Contact us for more information.”
November Job Growth/Losses by Industry in the Austin-Round Rock MSA:
- Monthly Increases: Industries that experienced a significant increase in regional job growth from October to November include Trade, Transportation, & Utilities (3,900), Professional & Business Services (3,700), Leisure & Hospitality (1,400), and Government (1,200).
- Monthly Decreases: Manufacturing (-800) and Education & Health Services (-200).
- Annual Increases: Leisure & Hospitality experienced the greatest regional job growth over the last 12 months with an increase of 19.1%, followed by Professional and Business Services (14.8%) and Other Services (8.4%).
- Other industries that experienced annual job growth include Financial Activities (8.2%), Information (7.2%), and Trade, Transportation & Utilities (6.8%).
- Annual Decreases: Government (-0.2%).
New Year, New Career, New You
Announced in September, City of Austin and Travis County have joined to grant millions of dollars in new resources through the American Rescue Plan Act to Workforce Solutions Capital Area. These funds will provide scholarships for job training, scholarships for child care, transportation support, access to apprenticeships, and critical career guidance to COVID-impacted workers in our region.
“Now is the time to connect with Workforce Solutions for your job search and training needs,” said Melanie Flowers, Workforce Solutions Capital Area board chair. “Switching careers can be stressful, which is why Workforce Solutions offers personalized supports and services to help bridge the gaps so you can work or become qualified for the job you want.”
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.
