Over the last few years, Austin has earned its nickname of “Silicone Hills”. With a reputation for innovation and disruption, Austin remains an important place for designers, builders, and entrepreneurs of all types – with many start-ups and tech entrepreneurs moving from the West Coast to Austin, drawn by the business-friendly environment and low tax burden. Expats looking for jobs in Austin will find opportunities across many sectors, including technology, government, digital media, and advanced manufacturing. However, Austin's increasing popularity in recent years has brought about a more competitive job market, a higher cost of living, and traffic congestion in central areas. Of course, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the local ec
Important:
Anyone moving to the US and wanting to work there is required to have a work visa, and it can be one of the biggest challenges faced by expats looking for employment abroad. The process must be initiated by a sponsoring employer and is time-consuming and expensive. This means you must have an offer of employment before you may begin the visa application process. That said, expats with advanced degrees and specialized skills who are fluent English speakers will fare better than most when it comes to finding an employer willing to go through the sponsorship process. See the article 'Work visa in the USA' for more information about the types of work visas in the United States.
Popular industries in Austin
Austin is well-known for its diverse economy. The city is home to several prominent industries contributing to its economic growth and overall success. For instance, Austin is the birthplace of Whole Foods (a popular US supermarket chain), an emerging tech hub, and host to SXSW (South by Southwest), a huge event that encompasses various industries, including music, film, and interactive media. It is an annual festival and conference that brings together professionals, artists, and enthusiasts worldwide.
Tech
Silicon Valley may get all the recognition — but Silicon Hills may well be the future of the US high-tech world. Austin is home to many new creative startups and important names in the industry like Dell, IBM, and Blizzard — not to mention two big Apple campuses with over 7,000 employees. Thus, if you are looking to make a name for yourself in the tech industry but don't want to deal with San Francisco's crazy cost of living, Austin may just be the place to be.
Advanced manufacturing
Austin is an important producer of semiconductors and electronics. Recently, this sector has expanded to include medical devices, nanotechnology, and aerospace manufacturing. Austin has a diverse manufacturing sector, ranging from semiconductor manufacturing to automotive and aerospace components. Key businesses include Samsung Austin Semiconductor, one of the largest semiconductor manufacturing facilities in the world, and National Instruments, which manufactures measurement and automation systems for various industries, including electronics, automotive, and aerospace.
Healthcare and life sciences
Austin has a robust healthcare industry, focusing on medical research, biotechnology, and healthcare services. The presence of major medical institutions and research centers contributes to the growth of this sector. Key businesses in this sector include St. David's Healthcare, one of the largest healthcare systems in Texas, and Texas Biomedical Research Institute, which focuses on biomedical research and development, emphasizing advancing scientific knowledge and finding solutions for human health challenges.
Digital media technology
This includes the development and design of video games, software, and mobile apps. Austin is becoming well-known as a hub for creative industries, including advertising, film production, digital media, podcasts, and gaming. Big names include Rooster Teeth Productions, GSD&M, and the Joe Rogan Experience (podcast network).
Government
Austin is a state capital, and therefore, both the US Federal Government and the City of Austin are huge local employers.
Clean energy and sustainability
Austin has made significant strides in renewable energy and sustainability initiatives. The city is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting clean energy technologies. Key operators in this field include SolarWinds, Clean Energy Collective (CEC), CLEAResult, PowerFin Partners, and Meridian Solar.
The labor market in Austin
Like most places in the world, Austin is adapting to the post-Covid economic landscape. Things are slower than when Austin had its big boom in the early to mid-2010s, but that's no reason to think Austin won't bounce back. In 2023, the Austin metro unemployment rate sat below both the Texas and national levels. According to the Texas Workforce Commission, Austin gained 64,300 jobs between March 2022 and March 2023. The biggest growth was in leisure and hospitality, professional and business services, manufacturing, and private education and health services. The same report found that from 2020 to 2030, jobs in the Austin metro are expected to grow by over 25%.
How to find a job in Austin?
Begin your employment search by using local resources such as job search engines that are specifically focused on the Austin area, as well as online editions of local newspapers. The Austin American Statesman has a very good jobs section and offers an in-depth analysis of the local market, as well as job search advice. If you belong to a specialized or in-demand industry, research and contact a local recruiting agency to build connections. Additionally, leverage your network and membership in professional organizations, as this is the best way to hear about newly listed or unadvertised jobs.
When sending out your resume (CV), you really must stand out from the crowd. Besides updating your resume to reflect the American style (for example, your CV can't be longer than one page), research the company you're interested in before you apply to highlight the skills and experiences that would most interest them. Also, ensure that your LinkedIn and business networking profiles reflect these same changes and updates.
Good to know:
The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes a quarterly review of the Austin unemployment rate and labor market, which may be helpful when job hunting. Additionally, the Austin Chamber of Commerce website offers a regularly updated analysis of major employment sectors.
The labor market in the USA https://www.expat.com/en/guide/north-america/usa/410-the-labor-market-in-the-usa.html
Useful links:
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