The January 2024 jobs report for Auburn, WA paints a picture of moderate growth with undercurrents of national economic hesitancy. While specific data for Auburn is limited, broader regional trends offer insights into the local job market.
Highlights:
- Job growth: The Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metropolitan area, which encompasses Auburn, added 6,900 jobs in January, an increase of 0.4% from December 2023. Source: Washington State Employment Security Department
- Unemployment rate: The unemployment rate in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area remained steady at 3.8%, holding close to its all-time low. Source: Washington State Employment Security Department
- Wage growth: Average wages in the region grew by 3.4% year-over-year in January 2024, outpacing inflation. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
What Industries and Occupations Grew:
- Professional and business services: This sector, encompassing roles in financial services, technology, and management consulting, saw the most significant job gains in January.
- Healthcare and social assistance: Employment in healthcare fields like nursing and therapy continued to expand.
- Construction: The construction industry experienced modest growth, driven by ongoing development projects in the region.
What Industries and Occupations Shrank:
- Retail trade: Employment in retail stores and other establishments declined slightly in January.
- Leisure and hospitality: This sector, which includes restaurants and hotels, saw a small decrease in jobs.
Compare to Same Month Last Year:
- Job growth in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area in January 2024 was slower compared to January 2023, which saw an increase of 1.1%.
- The unemployment rate remained slightly higher than January 2023, when it stood at 3.5%.
- Wage growth, however, was significantly higher compared to the previous year.
Compare to Previous Month:
- Job growth in January 2024 was slightly higher than in December 2023, when the region added 5,600 jobs.
- The unemployment rate remained unchanged from the previous month.
- Wage growth also held steady compared to December 2023.
Future Outlook:
The future outlook for the Auburn job market hinges on both national and regional economic trends. While the Seattle area remains relatively strong, concerns about a potential national recession could dampen hiring activity in the coming months.
10 Growing Occupations in Auburn (Based on Regional Data):
- Registered Nurses
- Software Developers and Applications
- Physician Assistants
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides
- Construction Laborers
- Customer Service Representatives
- Janitors and Cleaners
- Truck Drivers
- Marketing Specialists
- Accountants and Auditors
10 Companies Hiring Now in Auburn (Based on Online Job Boards):