Beaumont, TX – December 2023 Jobs Report – Encouraging Gains Despite National Slowdown

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Beaumont’s December 2023 jobs report painted a cautiously optimistic picture of the city’s labor market. While mirroring the national trend of slower job growth, Beaumont defied expectations by adding jobs and experiencing a steady unemployment rate. This resilience can be attributed to a diverse economy and growth in key sectors like trade and healthcare.

Highlights:

  • Job growth: Beaumont gained 1,300 jobs in December, bringing the total employment to 161,000. This 0.8% increase outpaced the national average of 0.2%. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)
  • Unemployment holds steady: The unemployment rate remained unchanged at 5.2%, significantly lower than the national rate of 3.7%. (Source: Department of Numbers)
  • Wage growth strengthens: Average hourly wages rose by 3.5% year-over-year, reaching $24.50. This growth outpaced inflation, indicating an improvement in real wages. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Industry and Occupation Trends:

Growing:

  • Trade, Transportation, and Utilities: This sector added 500 jobs, primarily in retail and transportation. The holiday shopping season likely contributed to this growth. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)
  • Healthcare: The healthcare sector added 200 jobs, reflecting the aging population and increasing demand for medical services. (Source: Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas)
  • Professional and Business Services: This sector added 100 jobs, driven by growth in areas like accounting and administrative support. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Shrinking:

  • Leisure and Hospitality: This sector lost 100 jobs, likely due to the end of the peak tourist season. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)
  • Manufacturing: The manufacturing sector lost 50 jobs, continuing a gradual decline seen in recent years. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Compared to Last Year:

  • Beaumont added 2,200 jobs in December 2023 compared to December 2022, representing a 1.4% increase.
  • The unemployment rate in December 2022 was 5.1%, slightly lower than the December 2023 rate.

Compared to Previous Month:

  • Beaumont added 100 jobs compared to November 2023, indicating a stable job market.
  • The unemployment rate remained unchanged at 5.2%.

Future Outlook:

The future outlook for Beaumont’s job market is cautiously optimistic. While national economic headwinds persist, the city’s diversified economy and ongoing infrastructure projects position it for continued growth. Key sectors like healthcare and trade are expected to see further expansion, creating job opportunities.

10 Growing Occupations in Beaumont:

  1. Registered Nurses
  2. Retail Salespersons
  3. Customer Service Representatives
  4. Truck Drivers
  5. Home Health Aides
  6. Personal Care Aides
  7. Software Developers and Applications
  8. Elementary School Teachers
  9. Licensed Vocational Nurses
  10. Construction Laborers

10 Companies Hiring Now in Beaumont:

  1. Baptist Beaumont Hospital
  2. Lamar State University-Beaumont
  3. Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital
  4. ExxonMobil
  5. Motiva Enterprises
  6. Beaumont Independent School District
  7. Jefferson County
  8. Chevron Phillips Chemical Company
  9. Entergy Texas
  10. HEB Grocery Company

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