Abilene, TX – December 2023 Jobs Report – Employment Steady as Holiday Season Ends

In December 2023, Abilene’s job market displayed continued stability, maintaining a low unemployment rate and experiencing slight job growth in certain sectors. While some industries shed positions, others gained, reflecting a nuanced economic picture.

Highlights:

  • Unemployment rate: Steady at 2.9%, marking the lowest December rate since the data started being collected in 2000. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)
  • Job growth: Nonfarm employment edged up by 0.2% compared to November, adding roughly 150 jobs. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)
  • Key growth sectors: Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added 100 jobs, followed by Professional and Business Services with 50 new positions. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Industry and Occupation Changes:

Grew:

  • Trade, Transportation, and Utilities: Up 100 jobs, likely fueled by holiday retail and logistics activity.
  • Professional and Business Services: Gained 50 jobs, potentially reflecting increased demand for administrative and technical support.
  • Education and Health Services: Added 20 jobs, indicating steady hiring in healthcare and education sectors.

Shrank:

  • Leisure and Hospitality: Lost 50 jobs, possibly due to the end of the peak tourist season.
  • Government: Shed 20 positions, with potential reasons including budget constraints or seasonal variations.
  • Manufacturing: Remained flat, highlighting ongoing stability in the sector.

Compared to the Same Month Last Year:

  • Unemployment rate: Significantly lower than December 2022’s 3.5%, showcasing a tighter labor market.
  • Job growth: Nonfarm employment rose by 1.4% year-over-year, indicating moderate job creation.

Compared to the Previous Month:

  • Unemployment rate: Remained unchanged from November.
  • Job growth: Slightly higher than November’s 0.1% increase, suggesting a modest uptick in hiring activity.

Future Outlook:

  • Experts forecast continued economic growth for Abilene in 2024, with potential job gains in healthcare, professional services, and manufacturing.
  • However, rising interest rates and inflation could pose challenges, impacting hiring decisions in some sectors.

10 Growing Occupations in Abilene (December 2023):

  1. Registered Nurses
  2. Personal Care Aides
  3. Retail Salespersons
  4. Customer Service Representatives
  5. Truck Drivers
  6. Software Developers and Applications Developers
  7. Accountants and Auditors
  8. Elementary School Teachers
  9. Marketing Specialists
  10. Physicians and Surgeons

10 Companies Hiring Now in Abilene (as of February 10, 2024):

  1. Hendrick Health System
  2. Abilene Independent School District
  3. Walmart
  4. City of Abilene
  5. United States Postal Service
  6. Schlumberger
  7. Tyson Foods
  8. H-E-B
  9. Wells Fargo
  10. Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

Resources:

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