2011 Tyler Labor Market Survey Results

TYLER – Dr. Marilyn Young, Professor of Management, College of Business and Technology, University of Texas at Tyler, recently completed the 2011 Labor Market Survey for the Tyler area. Tyler Economic Development Council President/CEO Tom Mullins (pictured) says the survey is “fairly consistent” with previous such surveys, done every two to three years. Mullins says, “We do have a growing labor force, it has a varied skill set, and we have a good work ethic in this area to help support our economy.” Though challenges are ongoing, Mullins says the survey reflects no need for major changes in his council’s strategy. He remarks, “That strategy has generated good results for Tyler over the last 10-15 years.”

The purpose of the survey was to provide labor market information to businesses considering expanding or opening new facilities within the Tyler area. Mullins says detailed information concerning the labor market should be helpful in making these decisions. Numerous aspects of the labor market, such as current status, availability, minimum wage requirements, and demographic characteristics, were examined. Mullins says this information should enable employers to make more informed and rational decisions regarding expansions and investments in the Tyler and East Texas area. You can go to http://tedc.org/res_laborsurvey.php to download the survey.

The survey was conducted during March and April. The research is based upon 600 telephone interviews with respondents residing within a 30-mile radius of Tyler and covering nine counties. The population of the 30 mile radius is 365,412. According to the survey, 87.3% of the respondents were employed; 12.7% were unemployed and available for work in 2011-2012.

o This 12.7% includes hidden unemployment, i.e. new entrants and discouraged workers. A majority of the employed labor market, 82%, was employed full time.
o Of the 18% part-time workers, 42% stated they would like to work full time. Employees had been with the company for an average of 10 years. 78% of the labor force would be willing to train for a new job. 27% of the employed labor market said they were overqualified. The average distance for the total available labor market (unemployed and those people who indicated an interest in changing jobs in 2011-2012) was 22 miles.
o The average commuting distance for unemployed workers was 20 miles. Those workers employed and available are driving an average of 11 miles per day.

o The average distance driven by total employed workers was 10 miles. The majority, 80%, of the available labor market reported they were interested in full-time employment; 26% indicated an interest in part-time employment.
o 85% stated they were available for employment during the day; 25%, evening; and 13%, night. 65% of non Smith County residents said they wanted to work in Smith County. An average hourly wage of $12.89 was computed for those interested in changing jobs.
o Those unemployed were willing to accept a lower average wage of $11.71 an hour, and the total available reported $12.50 as an acceptable hourly wage.