AUSTIN, Texas – According to data released today from the Texas Workforce Commission, the Austin-Round Rock MSA* unemployment rate decreased from March 2024 to April 2024, and is now at 3.0%**, as represented by 44,630 unemployed residents. Key takeaways include:
- The Austin metro unemployment rate remains below the Texas (3.5%) and national rate (3.5%) in April.
- According to TWC, the Austin metro gained 6,800 jobs from March to April. The region has experienced an annual growth rate of 2.2%, representing the collective addition of 28,900 jobs since April 2023.
- Furthermore, TWC reports unemployment in the Capital Area/Travis County region*** decreased slightly to 3.0% from March to April, representing 25,921 unemployed residents.
- Note: The unemployment data released today is not seasonally adjusted.
April Job Growth/Losses by Industry in the Austin-Round Rock MSA:
- Monthly Increases: Industries that experienced regional job growth from March to April include leisure and hospitality (2,200), professional and business services (1,900) and trade, transportation and utilities (1,400).
- Other industries that experienced monthly job growth include other services (600), government (500), financial activities (400) and private education and health services (300).
- Monthly Decreases: Information (-300), and manufacturing (-200) experienced regional job losses from March to April.
- Annual Increases: Other services experienced the greatest regional job growth over the past 12 months with an increase of 7.1%, followed by mining, logging and construction (4.3%).
- Other industries that experienced annual job growth include leisure and hospitality (3.5%), private education and health services (3.0%), government (2.9%), trade, transportation and utilities (2.5%), financial activities (2.3%), manufacturing (0.8%) and professional and business services (0.3%).
- Annual Decreases: Information (-4.1%) experienced an annual decrease from April 2023 to April 2024.
As the workforce landscape continues to evolve, Workforce Solutions Capital Area is dedicated to investing in Austin’s future talent, right from their earliest educational experiences. In 2023, Workforce Solutions Capital Area’s Career and Education Outreach Specialists made significant contributions to the community by connecting 17,186 students to career preparation activities both inside and outside the classroom.
“In the Austin area, our K-12 system is a reservoir of potential talent,” Tamara Atkinson, CEO of Workforce Solutions Capital Area, said. “Graduation rates are promising, with 91% of students completing high school, surpassing the state average of 85%. However, a gap remains in equipping students with career-ready skills. Engaging with students early on provides them with industry experiences and allows them to earn valuable credentials, all while they are still in school.”
Last year, Workforce Solutions Capital Area partnered with Travis County for the Summer Youth Employment Program, where they connected businesses in high-demand industries with 750 middle and high school youth paid interns. In December 2023, Workforce Solutions Capital Area hosted over 1,600 7th graders at CareerQuest, an event designed for students to explore high-demand career pathways. Pre and post-event data showed an increase from 18% to 50% in students’ awareness of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs of study offered by local high schools.
“By investing in our students today, we are investing in the future of Austin,” Mark Sherry, board chair for Workforce Solutions Capital Area, said. “We are proud to work with so many community partners to build a robust talent pipeline that meets the demands of our growing economy, ensuring a prosperous future for all.”
As part of Workforce Solutions Capital Area’s mission to connect local people to local jobs, the organization also connects the students enrolled in CTE programs to meaningful work-based learning pathways in high-demand industries.
To learn more about Workforce Solutions Capital Area’s K-12 initiatives, or to download their Future Workforce Snapshot report, visit: www.wfscapitalarea.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/TX-Talent-Experts_K12-Snapshot_Apr-2024_FINAL.pdf
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.
