Baltimore, MD – December 2023 Jobs Report: Mixed Signals Amidst National Shifts

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The December 2023 jobs report for Baltimore paints a picture of mixed signals within the city’s labor market. While overall job growth remained positive, it slowed compared to previous months, reflecting national economic uncertainties. Despite this, key industries continued to expand, offering opportunities for qualified job seekers.

Highlights:

  • Unemployment dips, but cautiously: The rate fell to 4.0%, marking a small improvement from November 2023. However, this remains slightly higher than the pre-pandemic low.
  • Job growth cools down: Nonfarm jobs added only 20 positions, reaching 704,900, showing a significant decrease from previous months’ momentum.
  • Education and Health Services lead the way: This sector added 200 jobs, showcasing potential expansion in public and private educational institutions and healthcare facilities. Teachers, teacher assistants, education administrators, healthcare professionals, and nurses could find opportunities.

What Industries and Occupations Grew:

  • Education and Health Services: This sector added 200 jobs, reflecting potential growth in public and private education, as well as healthcare facilities. Teachers, teacher assistants, education administrators, healthcare professionals, and nurses could benefit.
  • Professional and Business Services: This sector added 60 jobs, encompassing areas like finance, consulting, or technology. Accountants, marketing specialists, and IT professionals could see opportunities.
  • Leisure and Hospitality: This sector added 20 jobs, showcasing potential growth in seasonal positions around the holiday season. Cashiers, servers, and customer service representatives could be in demand.

What Industries and Occupations Shrank:

  • Trade, Transportation & Utilities: This sector lost 80 jobs, mainly impacting warehousing, logistics, and retail trade.
  • Construction: This sector lost 20 jobs, suggesting a slight slowdown in residential and commercial building projects.

Compare to Same Month Last Year:

  • Unemployment rate: Higher than 3.8% in December 2022, marking a slight increase in the jobless rate compared to the previous year.
  • Nonfarm job growth: Lower than the 340 jobs added in December 2022, showcasing a significant deceleration in hiring compared to the previous year.

Compare to Previous Month:

  • Unemployment rate: Decreased by 0.1% compared to November 2023, indicating slightly less competition for job seekers.
  • Nonfarm job growth: Significantly lower than the 180 jobs added in November 2023, marking a substantial slowdown in hiring.

Future Outlook:

Experts offer a cautious outlook for Baltimore’s job market in 2024. The stable unemployment rate and growth in key sectors like education and healthcare suggest potential resilience. However, monitoring national economic trends and their impact on specific industries, such as construction and manufacturing, is crucial. Adaptability and upskilling will be key in navigating potential shifts.

10 Growing Occupations in Baltimore, MD:

  1. Registered Nurses
  2. Nursing Assistants
  3. Home Health Aide and Personal Care Aides
  4. Software Developers and Applications Developers
  5. Sales Representatives
  6. Marketing Specialists
  7. Accountants and Auditors
  8. Construction Laborers
  9. Truck Drivers
  10. Teachers

10 Companies Hiring Now in Baltimore, MD:

  1. Johns Hopkins University & Medicine
  2. Under Armour
  3. T. Rowe Price
  4. Northrop Grumman Corporation
  5. M&T Bank
  6. McCormick
  7. Becton Dickinson and Company
  8. Baltimore City Public Schools
  9. University of Maryland, Baltimore
  10. Amazon

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