The number of available job postings in the Austin-Round Rock metro area increased by 49% in October from October 2020, according to a Nov. 10 report from the Austin Chamber of Commerce.

There were 92,103 available job postings during the October monthly reporting period, which spans from Sept. 14-Oct. 13. This is 1,500 more than the previous monthly reporting period and is 30,000 more than in October 2020. Of these job postings, 15% were in management occupations, and 14% were computer and mathematical occupations, indicating a strong demand for senior talent and tech talent, according to the report. There were 30,000 new online first-time job postings, job postings posted for the first time in the measured time period, which is 2,000 less than the previous month. The increase in job openings from the September to October report is not surprising, but what is significant is the high number of available job postings throughout the metro, Kwee Lan Teo, vice president of talent development for the Austin Chamber of Commerce, told Community Impact Newspaper.

"What is significant is the number of available job postings in October 2021 and also from last month, which are now over 90,000,” Teo said. “The new job postings did not see as much change, so employers may still be looking to fill their available jobs currently. The [metro] unemployment rate is at 3.5% for September 2021, and companies are starting to offer higher hourly pay and bonuses to attract candidates.”

The Austin metro covers the area from San Marcos to Georgetown, Pflugerville, Hutto, Buda, Kyle, Leander and Lockhart. The data cited above refers to employers actively advertising online and is not a representation of all job openings, a measurement of all positions that are not filled on the last business day of the month, according to the report.