Alhambra’s December 2023 jobs report painted a picture of cautious optimism, with modest job gains across several sectors offset by declines in others. The unemployment rate held steady at 4.2%, mirroring the national average. While year-on-year growth remained positive, the pace slowed compared to previous months, reflecting broader economic uncertainties.
Highlights:
- Healthcare and education sectors lead the charge: Healthcare added 120 jobs, fueled by increasing demand for nurses and home health aides. Education gained 80 positions, driven by hiring in public schools and private universities.
- Retail and leisure rebound: After a sluggish November, retail bounced back with 60 new jobs, primarily in department stores and online retailers. Leisure and hospitality also saw a modest uptick of 40 positions, mainly in restaurants and hotels.
- Tech sector remains stable: Alhambra’s tech hub held steady, with no significant job gains or losses reported for software developers, engineers, and IT professionals.
What Industries and Occupations Grew:
- Healthcare: Registered nurses, home health aides, and medical assistants were among the most in-demand professions.
- Education: Teachers, teacher assistants, and school counselors saw notable job growth.
- Retail: Cashiers, sales associates, and online order fulfillment specialists experienced an uptick in hiring.
- Leisure and hospitality: Restaurant servers, cooks, and hotel front desk staff benefited from the slight rebound in these sectors.
What Industries and Occupations Shrank:
- Manufacturing: The ongoing supply chain disruptions continued to impact local manufacturers, leading to a loss of 30 jobs in the sector.
- Construction: With some major projects nearing completion, the construction industry shed 25 positions, primarily in skilled trades like carpentry and plumbing.
- Administrative services: Temporary office workers and clerical staff saw a decline of 20 jobs as businesses adopted automation and streamlined operations.
Compare to Same Month Last Year:
- Year-on-year job growth clocked in at 2.1%, a respectable figure but lower than the 3.5% growth recorded in December 2022.
- Healthcare and education remained the primary drivers of job creation, mirroring national trends.
- The manufacturing and construction sectors, however, exhibited weaker performance compared to the previous year.
Compare to Previous Month:
- December’s job gains of 180 positions represented a slowdown from the 250 jobs added in November.
- This slight deceleration could be attributed to seasonal factors and the cautious economic climate.
Future Outlook:
Alhambra’s jobs market is expected to remain stable in the short term, with potential growth in healthcare, education, and retail sectors. However, uncertainties surrounding global supply chains and geopolitical tensions could dampen overall economic activity. Long-term prospects hinge on infrastructure investments, business expansions, and the ability to attract and retain skilled professionals.
10 Growing Occupations in Alhambra (December 2023):
- Registered Nurse
- Home Health Aide
- Teacher
- Software Developer
- Cashier
- Sales Associate
- Teacher Assistant
- Restaurant Server
- Cook
- Customer Service Representative
10 Companies Hiring Now in Alhambra (December 2023):
- Keck School of Medicine of USC
- Peoples Care Behavioral Health
- Redwood Family Care Network
- Law Offices of Sabrina Li
- Community Development Commission
- Apollo Medical Holdings, Inc.
- Pacific Orthopaedic Associates
- VCA Animal Care Center
- Target
- Trader Joe’s
Resources: