The Rise of Remote Work in Austin: A Look at the Numbers

Working from Home in Austin

According to 2023 U.S. Census estimates, approximately 340,000 people in the Austin metro area work from home, accounting for about a quarter of the workforce. This percentage is significantly higher than the national average, with remote employees making up 13.8% of all workers over the age of 16. This data places Austin well above the rest of the country in terms of remote work prevalence.

Who Makes Up Austin’s Remote Workforce?

An analysis by CoworkingMag, a digital magazine focused on coworking, delved into the demographics of remote workers in Austin. The study found that the majority of remote workers in Austin are millennials (45.7%) and Gen X (34.3%) employees. Additionally, about 70% of work-from-home employees in the city hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.

The median income for virtual workers in Austin is $82,000, with more than half earning above $75,000. The primary industries with remote employees in Austin include professional and business services (36.1%), educational and health services (12.8%), financial activities (11.8%), and manufacturing (7.7%).

Gender Disparities in Austin’s Remote Workforce

Interestingly, more men (51.7%) than women (48.3%) are working remotely in Austin. This differs from trends in other southern states, where women make up approximately 53% of the growing virtual workforce, according to CoworkingMag’s analysis.

Remote Work Trends in Major Metros

The study conducted by CoworkingMag used U.S. Census Bureau data to analyze the remote workforce in metropolitan areas with over 500,000 residents. This data provides valuable insights into the changing landscape of work and the increasing prevalence of remote employment.

FAQs about Remote Work in Austin

1. What percentage of Austin’s workforce works from home?

Approximately 25% of the workforce in the Austin metro area works from home, totaling around 340,000 people.

2. Which demographic groups dominate Austin’s remote workforce?

Millennials and Gen X employees make up the majority of remote workers in Austin, with about 70% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.

3. What is the median income for remote workers in Austin?

The median income for virtual workers in Austin is $82,000, with over half earning above $75,000.

4. Which industries have the most remote employees in Austin?

The primary industries with remote employees in Austin are professional and business services, educational and health services, financial activities, and manufacturing.

5. Are there gender disparities in Austin’s remote workforce?

Yes, more men (51.7%) than women (48.3%) work remotely in Austin, a trend that differs from other southern states where women make up a larger percentage of the remote workforce.