AUSTIN – The Austin-area unemployment rate ticked up from a pandemic low in June 2021, according to the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).
TWC’s updated employment estimates released today say the Austin-Round Rock MSA* unemployment rate rose from 4.3% in May 2021 to 4.8%** in June 2021, representing 61,145 unemployed residents.
- The Austin metro’s unemployment rate remained below Texas (6.6%) and national (6.1%) rates.
- According to TWC, the Austin metro added 8,200 jobs from May 2021 to June 2021. The region has experienced an annual growth rate of 7.3%, representing the collective gain of 77,200 jobs since June 2020.
- Further, TWC reports unemployment in the Capital Area/Travis County*** region increased from 4.3% in May 2021 to 4.7% in June 2021, or 35,717 unemployed residents.
The size of the metro’s labor force – the number of people employed or seeking work – increased by 5,300 from May to June, signaling more Austinites are returning to the workforce. The growing labor force also reflects the uptick in the unemployment rate. As the number of jobless Austinites seeking work increases, the number of unemployed workers counted by the federal government also increases.
According to job posting data from Burning Glass Labor Insight, employers posted 30,519 new job ads in the Austin MSA in June 2021. That’s 6,145 more than in June 2020.
“Despite the rise in the unemployment rate, Austin is hiring on all cylinders,” said Tamara Atkinson, Chief Executive Officer at Workforce Solutions Capital Area. “Workers with the right skills can find an employment opportunity to meet their situation, and many employers are offering hiring incentives and retention bonuses.
“Workforce Solutions is here to assist residents to find the job they want, or train to attain the in-demand skills they need.”
June Job Growth/Losses by Industry in the Austin-Round Rock MSA:
- Monthly Increases: Industries that experienced a significant increase in regional job growth from May to June include Leisure & Hospitality (2,300), Trade, Transportation, & Utilities (2,000), and Other Services (1,800).
- Other industries that experienced growth are Education & Health Services (800), Professional & Business Services (700), Financial Activities (700), and Manufacturing (500).
- Monthly Decreases: Mining, Logging & Construction (-500) and Government (-400).
- Annual Increases: Leisure & Hospitality experienced the greatest regional job growth over the last 12 months with an increase of 20.9%, followed by Other Services (8.5%), Trade, Transportation & Utilities (8.5%), and Information (8.1%).
- Other industries that experienced annual job growth include Manufacturing (3.9%) and Financial Activities (3.1%).
- Annual Decreases: No industries experienced a decrease in job growth from June 2020 to June 2021.
Upcoming Opportunities to Fill the Manufacturing Talent Gap
MFG JOBS NOW is a two-day Austin manufacturing hiring event taking place both in-person and virtually August 11 and virtually August 12. The event is organized by Workforce Solutions Capital Area, Austin Regional Manufacturers Association, Austin Community College, and Skillpoint Alliance.
- MFG JOBS NOW allows Central Texas students and job seekers to connect with employers hiring now and learn about pathways to train for these in-demand careers at no cost. Job seekers can also find out if they’re eligible for child care assistance and additional financial supports while they train or look for a job.
- Employersinclude Applied Materials, Carr Lane, HID Global, Premier Research Labs, Senox, and more.
- To learn more and register,job seekers and companies can visit https://wfscapitalarea.com/mfgjobsnow
The Certified Production Technician Training program is a 100% virtual, safe, no-cost training coordinated by the Central Texas Manufacturing Partnership. Eligible students take online classes with Austin Community College and Skillpoint Alliance with an optional component held in-person safely.
- This no-cost training provides industry-recognized certifications for residents to begin working in a variety of manufacturing roles. Workforce Solutions provides hiring assistance to connect grads with local manufacturers.
- The next class is with ACC and runs July 26 – September 3. Learn more and sign up.
“Advanced manufacturing is growing in Central Texas and our local manufacturers require more workers,” said Melanie Flowers, Chair of the Board of Directors for Workforce Solutions Capital Area. “Workforce Solutions offers resources to help residents start a great career, stipends to put money in your pocket while you train, child care assistance and other supports to bridge the gaps so people can return to work, as well as rapid career training for Austin’s most in-demand industries like manufacturing.”
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.
