Anaheim, CA – December 2023 Jobs Report – Stagnant Growth Despite Tight Labor Market

Anaheim’s December 2023 jobs report presented a contrasting picture. While the unemployment rate continued to hover near historic lows, indicating a strong job seeker advantage, job growth came to a virtual standstill compared to previous months. Certain industries displayed resilience, potentially offering opportunities, but broader economic concerns urge caution.

Highlights:

  • Tight labor market persists: The unemployment rate held steady at 3.1%, signifying a competitive hiring landscape with readily available job options.
  • Job growth stalls: Nonfarm jobs saw no change, remaining at 300,400, marking a significant slowdown from previous months’ robust gains.
  • Leisure and Hospitality shines: This sector added 20 positions, potentially tied to holiday activities and tourism. Restaurant workers, hotel staff, and tourism professionals could see opportunities.

What Industries and Occupations Grew:

  • Leisure and Hospitality: This industry added 20 jobs, encompassing areas like hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Restaurant cooks, servers, hotel housekeepers, and tourism specialists might benefit.
  • Professional and Business Services: This sector also saw minor growth with 5 additional positions, potentially linked to finance, consulting, or technology needs. Accountants, marketing specialists, and customer service representatives could be in demand.
  • Health Care and Social Assistance: This industry held steady, maintaining its existing job count. Positions in hospitals, clinics, and social services could offer stable options.

What Industries and Occupations Shrank:

  • No industries reported significant job losses in December 2023.

Compare to Same Month Last Year:

  • Unemployment rate: Down slightly from 3.2% in December 2022, marking a minor improvement in the labor market.
  • Nonfarm job growth: Lower than the 1,400 jobs added in December 2022, highlighting a significant deceleration in hiring.

Compare to Previous Month:

  • Unemployment rate: Unchanged from November 2023, indicating stability in the labor market.
  • Nonfarm job growth: Significantly lower than the 820 jobs added in November 2023, showcasing a dramatic slowdown in hiring.

Future Outlook:

Experts forecast cautious optimism for Anaheim’s job market in 2024. The low unemployment rate, despite stagnant job growth, suggests potential resilience. However, national economic concerns and inflation could create uncertainty. Leisure and hospitality, professional services, and healthcare might offer opportunities, while broader factors could impact the overall trajectory.

10 Growing Occupations in Anaheim, CA:

  1. Registered Nurses
  2. Customer Service Representatives
  3. Sales Representatives
  4. Software Developers and Applications Developers
  5. Marketing Specialists
  6. Accountants and Auditors
  7. Transportation Security Officers
  8. Truck Drivers
  9. Elementary School Teachers
  10. Construction Laborers

10 Companies Hiring Now in Anaheim, CA:

  1. Disneyland Resort
  2. University of California, Irvine
  3. Kaiser Permanente
  4. Amazon
  5. St. Jude Medical Center
  6. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, Inc.
  7. Marriott International
  8. Target
  9. Home Depot
  10. Lowe’s

Sources:

  • Bureau of Labor Statistics – Anaheim-Santa Ana-Irvine, CA MSA
  • California Employment Development Department – Orange County December 2023 Labor Market Report
  • Indeed Hiring in Anaheim, CA 
  • Glassdoor Jobs in Anaheim, CA
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