Austin, Texas – According to data released today from the Texas Workforce Commission, the Austin-Round Rock MSA* unemployment rate has slightly increased from April 2022 to May 2022 and is now 2.7%**, as represented by 36,162 unemployed residents. Key takeaways include:
- The Austin metro unemployment rate remains below Texas (3.8%) and national (3.4%) rates.
- According to TWC, the Austin metro gained 1,600 jobs from April to May. The region has experienced an annual growth rate of 6.7%, representing the collective addition of 77,400 jobs since May 2021.
- Furthermore, TWC reports unemployment in the Capital Area/Travis County*** region also slightly increased to 2.6% from April to May, representing 20,864 unemployed residents.
- Note: The unemployment data released today is not seasonally adjusted.
May Job Growth/Losses by Industry in the Austin-Round Rock MSA:
- Monthly Increases: Industries that experienced regional job growth from April to May include government (1,800), professional and business services (1,700) and leisure and hospitality (1,600).
- Other industries that experienced monthly job growth include information (700) and manufacturing (400).
- Monthly Decreases: Education and health services (-1,600), other services (-900) and mining, logging, construction (-800) experienced regional job losses from April to May.
- Annual Increases: Leisure and hospitality experienced the greatest regional job growth over the past 12 months with an increase of 15.1%, followed by information (11.3%) and professional and business services (10.9%).
- Other industries that experienced annual job growth include manufacturing (8.3%) and trade, transportation and utilities (6.4%).
- Annual Decreases: Mining, logging and construction jobs experienced a decrease (-1.4%).
“Even with a very slight uptick in local unemployment over the last month, we are encouraged, and Workforce Solutions Capital Area continues to meet job seekers where they are and respond to their needs for supportive services,” Tamara Atkinson, CEO of Workforce Solutions Capital Area, said.
Last month, Workforce Solutions Capital Area announced the Hire Local plan and launched 1,000 free training scholarships for Central Texas residents to upskill in their current careers or explore new career paths. Low-income families may find it difficult to pursue training and pay for child care without financial assistance, so Workforce Solutions offers wraparound services, including child care scholarships with corresponding providers, to meet the needs of families. Currently, Workforce Solutions Capital Area works with more than 300 child care providers that care for more than 3,000 children.
“It’s been two long years since the pandemic first struck our region, and the local economy is booming back, with many employers looking to hire,” Atkinson continued. “In response, we’re rallying community solutions to address affordability gaps and eliminate barriers job seekers face when re-entering or moving up in the workforce.”
Upcoming event
In partnership with MakeItMovement.org, Workforce Solutions Capital Area and Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area will host the Build Your Future Hiring Event from July 11 to July 15. With support from CapMetro, programming will include both in-person and virtual events with opportunities for attendees to connect with Central Texas employers hiring for manufacturing, skilled trades, and transit positions.
“Manufacturing, skilled trades, and transit are some of the most high-growth industries in our region,” Melanie Flowers, board chair for Workforce Solutions Capital Area, said. “With Make It Movement’s dedication to helping young people discover their talents and our partnerships with employers looking to hire, we are looking forward to this event resulting in many recent graduates finding their career path.”
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 512-549-4967 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.
