AUSTIN, Texas – According to data released today from the Texas Workforce Commission, the Austin-Round Rock MSA* unemployment rate decreased slightly from November 2024 to December 2024, and is now at 3.1%**, as represented by 46,403 unemployed residents. Key takeaways include:
- The Austin metro unemployment rate remains below the Texas (3.7%) and national rates (3.8%) in December.
- According to TWC, the Austin metro gained 3,200 jobs from November to December. The region has experienced an annual growth rate of 1.7%, representing the collective addition of 22,700 jobs since December 2023.
- Furthermore, TWC reports unemployment in the Capital Area/Travis County region*** decreased slightly to 3% from November to December, representing 26,573 unemployed residents.
- Note: The unemployment data released today is not seasonally adjusted.
December Job Growth/Losses by Industry in the Austin-Round Rock MSA:
Monthly Increases: Industries that experienced regional job growth from November to December include trade, transportation and utilities (3,000), professional and business services (2,200) and financial activities (500).
- Other industries that experienced monthly job growth include mining, logging and construction (200) and information (100).
- Monthly Decreases: Government (-1,500), leisure and hospitality (-900) and private education and health services (-300) experienced regional job losses from November to December.
- Another industry that experienced monthly job losses is other services (-100).
- Annual Increases: Mining, logging and construction experienced the greatest regional job growth over the past 12 months with an increase of 5.9%, followed by private education and health services (3.3%).
- Other industries that experienced annual job growth include financial activities (3.1%), government (2.8%), leisure and hospitality (2.4%), other services (2.3%) and trade, transportation and utilities (0.9%).
- Annual Decreases: Information (-3.1%), manufacturing (-0.5%) and professional and business services (-0.2%) experienced an annual decrease from December 2023 to December 2024.
In December 2024, the U.S. economy added 256,000 jobs, surpassing expectations and reducing the national unemployment rate to 4.1%.
“This national trend of robust job growth is reflected in Austin’s thriving labor market as well,” Tamara Atkinson, CEO of Workforce Solutions Capital Area, said. “With December’s addition of 3,200 jobs, our community’s resilience and adaptability were shining through as we closed the year on a high note. This growth not only strengthens our local economy but also creates even more opportunities for job seekers to begin 2025 with renewed hope for their next career move.”
On Jan. 28, Workforce Solutions Capital Area will welcome Connect with CapMetro: A Networking Event to showcase career opportunities within CapMetro and help job seekers explore the many paths to employment with the organization. This engaging event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at WFSCA’s North location. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with CapMetro employees and learn more about potential career paths.
The CapMetro hiring event will feature a Career Pathways Panel, where CapMetro employees will share their journeys, growth opportunities and personal insights about the unique workplace culture. Job seekers can also network with hiring managers, explore roles in areas such as operations, maintenance, and administration and even participate in on-the-spot interviews.
“We’re proud to partner with CapMetro and strengthen our community by connecting individuals to rewarding careers in the mobility industry,” Mark Sherry, board chair for Workforce Solutions Capital Area, said. “This event offers job seekers a chance to explore a wide range of roles and gain insights into the skills and training needed to succeed at CapMetro, an organization that plays a vital role in shaping the future of our region.”
For more information and to reserve your spot at the hiring event, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/connect-with-capmetro-a-networking-event-tickets
Workforce Solutions Capital Area’s career centers across Austin are available by phone, email, or in-person to help residents plan their careers and increase their income, as well as provide employers with tailored business solutions at various levels of support. 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, X 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.
