AUSTIN – The Austin-Round Rock MSA* unemployment rate dropped from 4.2% in July 2021 to 3.8%** in August 2021, representing 48,709 unemployed residents, according to the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).
- The Austin metro’s unemployment rate remained below Texas (5.3%) and national (5.3%) rates.
- According to TWC, the Austin metro added 1,400 jobs from July 2021 to August 2021. The region has experienced an annual growth rate of 6.7%, representing the collective gain of 72,100 jobs since August 2020.
- Further, TWC reports unemployment in the Capital Area/Travis County*** region dropped from 4.2% in July 2021 to 3.7% in August 2021, representing 28,473 unemployed residents.
“Austin’s skilled workers are enjoying a bounty of career opportunities and we can assist with finding immediate employment,” said Tamara Atkinson, Chief Executive Officer at Workforce Solutions Capital Area.
“Some Central Texans may feel daunted at updating a resume, finding child care assistance or a training to earn skills for a new occupation. But they don’t have to be: Workforce Solutions Capital Area can assist residents to move higher—into higher-skilled jobs offering higher wages with local employers.”
August Job Growth/Losses by Industry in the Austin-Round Rock MSA:
- Monthly Increases: Industries that experienced a significant increase in regional job growth from July to August include Professional & Business Services (1,900), Education & Health Services (3,700) and Trade, Transportation & Utilities (1,200).
- Monthly Decreases: Leisure & Hospitality (-5,800) and Other Services (-1,000).
- Annual Increases: Leisure & Hospitality experienced the greatest regional job growth over the last 12 months with an increase of 22.4%, followed by Professional and Business Services (12.2%), and Information (7.9%).
- Other industries that experienced annual job growth include Trade, Transportation & Utilities (7%), Financial Activities (5%), and Other Services (4.8%).
- Annual Decreases: Government (-1.3%).
“Employers hiring across Central Texas are placing a premium on skilled talent,” said Melanie Flowers, Chair of the Board of Directors for Workforce Solutions Capital Area. “For those residents who are motivated to take open positions but lack the necessary skills, Workforce Solutions Capital Area offers job search support, training and much more to connect local job seekers to good-paying employment opportunities in Travis County.”
Residents seeking work can explore career opportunities at upcoming local events, including a virtual and in-person job fair for veterans cohosted with the Texas Veterans Commission scheduled for October 7 and the virtual Texas HireAbility Capital Region Job Fair for people with disabilities scheduled for October 14. Learn more on our Workforce Solutions’ website.
Workforce Solutions Capital Area invites friends and neighbors in Austin to our Annual Event, which will take place virtually on September 29. This event will feature elected officials, workforce development leaders, and an employer panel representing Austin’s key industries. From this event, Workforce Solutions Capital Area looks forward to tapping the potential of our regional workforce with a focus to Hire Local — making opportunity Higher All Around. Learn more on our website.
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.
