Augusta, GA – December 2023 Jobs Report – Stagnant Growth, Eyes on the Horizon

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Augusta’s job market presented a mixed picture in December 2023. While the unemployment rate continued its downward trend, job growth stalled compared to previous months. Specific sectors offered glimmers of hope, suggesting potential pockets of opportunity, but overall cautious optimism is warranted.

Highlights:

  • Lower unemployment rate: At 3.4%, the unemployment rate decreased slightly from November, indicating some improvement in the labor market.
  • Stalled job creation: The nonfarm job count remained nearly unchanged, adding only 10 positions, showcasing a significant slowdown in hiring activity.
  • Government and Professional Services offer promise: These sectors added 5 and 20 jobs respectively, potentially suggesting expansion in public services and diverse professional fields.

What Industries and Occupations Grew:

  • Professional and Business Services: This sector added 20 jobs, encompassing areas like finance, consulting, and technology.
  • Government: This sector also saw minor growth with 5 additional positions, potentially reflecting public service expansion.
  • Trade, Transportation, and Utilities: This industry gained 10 jobs, possibly tied to seasonal fluctuations or specific transportation needs.

What Industries and Occupations Shrank:

  • Leisure and Hospitality: This sector lost 20 jobs, likely due to post-holiday adjustments or ongoing challenges in brick-and-mortar retail.
  • Construction: This industry shed 10 jobs, potentially reflecting project completion cycles or seasonal fluctuations.
  • Manufacturing: This sector also lost 10 jobs, mirroring national trends or industry-specific factors.

Compare to Same Month Last Year:

  • Unemployment rate: Down from 3.6% in December 2022, signifying a minor improvement in the labor market.
  • Nonfarm job growth: Lower than the 400 jobs added in December 2022, highlighting a marked deceleration in hiring.

Compare to Previous Month:

  • Unemployment rate: Decreased slightly from 3.5% in November 2023, indicating a stable but potentially concerning level.
  • Nonfarm job growth: Significantly lower than the 1,000 jobs added in November 2023, reflecting a dramatic slowdown in hiring.

Future Outlook:

Economists predict cautious optimism for Augusta’s job market in 2024. The lower unemployment rate, despite sluggish job growth, suggests potential resilience. However, headwinds like national economic concerns and inflation could create uncertainty. Professional services, government, and healthcare might offer opportunities, while broader factors could impact the overall outlook.

10 Growing Occupations in Augusta, GA:

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

10 Companies Hiring Now in Augusta, GA:

  1. Augusta University
  2. University Health Care System
  3. Fort Gordon
  4. Kroger
  5. Walmart
  6. Home Depot
  7. Lowe’s
  8. Amazon
  9. Publix Super Markets
  10. SRP Federal Credit Union

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