The job market in Austin continues to exhibit modest growth and stability, despite some slowdowns in recent months. From August to November 2024, Austin's year-over-year job growth slowed to 1.4%, adding 18,900 jobs, which is lower than the state's overall job growth rate. This slowdown is a departure from previous trends, with Austin typically outperforming the state in job creation.
The employment landscape in Austin is characterized by broad-based growth, although some sectors have experienced declines. Professional and business services, along with government, have seen significant gains, with each sector adding 2,700 jobs over the three months ending in November. However, sectors like leisure and hospitality and manufacturing have seen job losses, with 600 and 500 jobs lost, respectively.
Key statistics include an annualized job growth rate of 2.2% in November, down from 3.0% in October. The average hourly earnings in Austin have been increasing, reaching $35.15 in November, with a year-over-year growth of 4.5%. The unemployment rate has remained stable at 3.4%, which is below the state and national rates.
Trends indicate that Austin's construction and natural resources sector has seen the fastest job growth over the last 12 months, with a 4.4% increase, followed by the government sector at 4.3%. Conversely, the information and professional and business services sectors have lost jobs, with declines of 5.8% and 1.5%, respectively.
The unemployment rate in Austin has been steady, remaining at 3.4% in recent months, which is superior to the state and other major Texas metros. Recent developments show that while job growth has slowed, the labor force has held steady, and retail sales tax collections have been flat.
Seasonal patterns show that job growth tends to be slower in certain months, with November seeing a slower annualized growth rate compared to October. Commuting trends are not explicitly detailed in recent data, but the overall economic activity, as measured by the Austin Business-Cycle Index, grew at an annualized 3.5% in November.
Government initiatives to support job growth and economic development are ongoing, though specific details are not provided in the recent data. The market evolution suggests that Austin is adapting to broader economic changes, maintaining a strong labor market despite some sectoral challenges.
Current job openings in Austin include positions in professional and business services, government, and construction sectors. For example, there are openings for project managers, data analysts, and civil engineers.
Key findings include the sustained low unemployment rate, the slowdown in overall job growth, and the sectoral variations in job gains and losses. Despite these trends, Austin's economy remains robust and competitive.