Austin job growth expected to slow, but not stop

​AUSTIN – According to a 2018-​19 forecast from locally based AngelouEconomics, the area’s job-growth rate will come down to earth and become more manageable.

The report predicts the metro will add 62,500 residents this year and another 65,000 residents in 2019. That’s slightly more than the last three years.

The area will add an estimated 29,800 jobs in 2018 and 31,200 jobs in 2019, a roughly 2.9 percent growth rate both years. In the last three years, it’s ranged from 3.2 to 4.4 percent growth. 

"The Austin economy is operating near or at full employment, which is making it difficult for firms to hire workers," the report said. "Tight labor market conditions will slightly constrain employment growth rates over the next two years."

Angelou predicts leisure and hospitality, professional and business services, and trade, transportation, and utilities will continue to be the metro’s primary employment drivers.​