The December 2023 jobs report for Ann Arbor, Michigan, paints a picture of a recovering and growing job market. While some industries and occupations experienced contraction, overall, the report indicates positive momentum heading into 2024.
Overview:
- The unemployment rate in the Ann Arbor Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) decreased slightly to 2.6% in December, down from 3.3% in November and 3.5% in December 2022. [Source: BLS]
- Total nonfarm employment reached 207,100, surpassing December 2022 levels by 6.2%. [Source: BLS]
- This growth was driven by gains in several sectors, including professional and business services, education and health services, and leisure and hospitality. [Source: BLS]
Highlights:
- Ann Arbor’s unemployment rate remains well below the national average of 3.5%. [Source: BLS]
- Job growth outpaced state and national trends, indicating Ann Arbor’s economic resilience. [Source: BLS]
- The leisure and hospitality industry saw the most significant job gains, adding over 2,600 positions since November. [Source: BLS]
Industries and Occupations that Grew:
- Professional and business services (+1,800 jobs)
- Education and health services (+1,300 jobs)
- Leisure and hospitality (+2,600 jobs)
- Retail trade (+500 jobs)
- Construction (+400 jobs)
Industries and Occupations that Shrank:
- Manufacturing (-300 jobs)
- Information services (-200 jobs)
- Financial activities (-100 jobs)
Comparison to Same Month Last Year:
- Total nonfarm employment increased by 6.2% compared to December 2022. [Source: BLS]
- The unemployment rate decreased by 0.7 percentage points year-over-year. [Source: BLS]
- Growth was widespread across various industries, highlighting a robust and diversified economy.
Comparison to Previous Month:
- Total nonfarm employment decreased slightly by 2.5% from November 2023. [Source: BLS]
- This is likely due to seasonal fluctuations common in December.
- The unemployment rate remained unchanged compared to November. [Source: BLS]
Future Outlook:
- The future outlook for Ann Arbor’s job market appears positive.
- Economists predict continued job growth in 2024, driven by the strength of the healthcare, education, and technology sectors. [Source: University of Michigan Economic Outlook]
- However, potential headwinds like inflation and rising interest rates could pose challenges.
10 Growing Occupations in Ann Arbor, MI:
- Registered Nurses
- Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts
- Personal Care Aides
- Home Health Aides
- Marketing Specialists
- Physicians and Surgeons
- General and Operations Managers
- Financial Analysts
- Elementary and Middle School Teachers
- Sales Representatives
10 Companies Hiring Now in Ann Arbor, MI:
- University of Michigan
- Domino’s Pizza
- Pfizer
- Ford Motor Company
- General Motors
- St. Joseph Mercy Health System
- Esperion Therapeutics
- Barracuda Networks
- Duo Security
- McKinley Inc.
For more detailed information, please refer to the following resources:
- Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Michigan Labor Market Information
- University of Michigan Economic Outlook