Bend, OR – December 2023 Jobs Report – Mixed Signals in Tourist Hub

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While statewide Oregon gained jobs in December 2023, Bend’s job market showed signs of contraction, particularly in sectors tied to tourism. This report summarizes the latest data and offers insights for job seekers and employers.

Overview:

  • Bend’s December unemployment rate rose to 6.0%, 1.3% above its pre-pandemic low.
  • Job losses concentrated in retail trade and accommodation & food services (leisure & hospitality).
  • Healthcare & social assistance bucked the trend, adding jobs.
  • Construction also saw growth, likely due to seasonal factors.

Highlights:

  • Leisure & hospitality shed 2,600 jobs between August and December.
  • Retail trade remained below December 2021 and 2022 levels.
  • Healthcare & social assistance gained 1,200 jobs in December, adding 5,600 for the year.
  • Construction added 1,500 jobs in December.

Industry and Occupation Changes:

Grew:

  • Healthcare & social assistance occupations like home health aides, personal care aides, and social workers.
  • Construction trades like carpenters, electricians, and plumbers.
  • Professional & business services occupations like accountants, marketing specialists, and software developers.

Shrank:

  • Retail trade workers like cashiers, salespersons, and stockers.
  • Leisure & hospitality workers like waiters, bartenders, and cooks.

Compared to December 2022:

  • Bend’s unemployment rate was 0.3% higher.
  • Leisure & hospitality cut 10 jobs over the year.
  • Retail trade remained relatively flat.
  • Healthcare & social assistance added 5,600 jobs.

Compared to November 2023:

  • Unemployment rate rose 0.3%.
  • Retail trade lost jobs.
  • Leisure & hospitality saw continued decline.
  • Construction added jobs.

Future Outlook:

  • Bend’s job market outlook depends on several factors, including the national economy, tourist seasonality, and local development projects.
  • The healthcare & social assistance sector is expected to keep growing.
  • Construction may see fluctuations depending on project schedules.
  • Retail & leisure & hospitality could rebound with the summer tourist season.

10 Growing Occupations in Bend (December 2023):

  1. Home Health Aide
  2. Personal Care Aide
  3. Registered Nurse
  4. Software Developer
  5. Marketing Specialist
  6. Accountant
  7. Carpenter
  8. Electrician
  9. Plumber
  10. Customer Service Representative

10 Companies Hiring Now in Bend (as of February 2, 2024):

  1. St. Charles Health System
  2. Deschutes Brewery
  3. The Resort at Sunriver
  4. City of Bend
  5. Bend Memorial Clinic
  6. Les Schwab Tires
  7. Costco Wholesale
  8. Safeway
  9. Sparrow Bakery
  10. REI

Please note: This information is based on publicly available data and may not be entirely comprehensive. It is recommended to consult with career counselors or industry experts for more personalized guidance.

Sources: