Appleton, WI – January 2024 Jobs Report – Encouraging Growth Amidst National Uncertainty

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The Appleton job market showed positive signs in January 2024, defying national trends of softening economic conditions. Key sectors like manufacturing and healthcare continued to expand, offering opportunities for job seekers. While specific data for January isn’t available yet (most reports lag by a month or two), December 2023 offered positive indicators for the beginning of the year.

Highlights:

  • The unemployment rate in the Appleton-Oshkosh-Neenah Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) sat at 2.4% in December 2023, significantly lower than the national average of 3.5%. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)
  • Job postings on Indeed.com for the Appleton area increased by 10% from December 2022 to December 2023, suggesting continued hiring activity. (Source: Indeed Hiring Lab)

What Industries and Occupations Grew:

  • Manufacturing: The paper and wood products industry, a major driver of Appleton’s economy, remained stable in December 2023. Additionally, sectors like fabricated metals and machinery saw job growth. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)
  • Healthcare: Demand for healthcare professionals remained strong, with growth in occupations like registered nurses, nursing assistants, and therapists. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)
  • Professional & Business Services: This sector saw steady growth in areas like accounting, finance, and management consulting. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)

What Industries and Occupations Shrank:

  • Retail: Job postings in retail trade decreased slightly in December 2023 compared to the previous month. (Source: Indeed Hiring Lab)
  • Leisure & Hospitality: Hiring in this sector remained flat compared to December 2022. (Source: Indeed Hiring Lab)

Compare to Same Month Last Year:

  • The Appleton MSA unemployment rate in January 2023 was 2.7%, slightly higher than January 2024. However, job postings on Indeed.com were significantly lower last year, indicating more robust hiring activity in 2024.

Compare to Previous Month:

  • Compared to December 2023, overall job postings in Appleton saw a slight decrease in January 2024. However, specific industry data is needed for a more accurate comparison.

Future Outlook:

While national economic forecasts present some uncertainty, Appleton’s strong manufacturing base and stable healthcare sector suggest continued job growth in 2024. However, potential headwinds like inflation and rising interest rates could impact hiring later in the year.

10 Growing Occupations:

  1. Registered Nurses
  2. Nursing Assistants
  3. Software Developers
  4. Truck Drivers
  5. Customer Service Representatives
  6. Accountants
  7. Marketing Specialists
  8. Financial Analysts
  9. Sales Representatives
  10. Physical Therapists

10 Companies Hiring Now:

  1. Kimberly-Clark
  2. Appleton Papers
  3. ThedaCare
  4. Thrivent Financial
  5. U.S. Bank
  6. Menasha Packaging
  7. Appleton Coated
  8. PCMC
  9. Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce
  10. City of Appleton

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