Bloomington, IN – December 2023 Jobs Report – Employment Holds Steady After Seasonal Fluctuations

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Bloomington’s December 2023 jobs report painted a picture of stability, with the unemployment rate holding at 3.5%, matching the national average. While not experiencing significant growth, the local economy maintained its momentum following a busy holiday season.

Highlights:

  • The number of employed residents remained flat at 141,200, with no statistically significant change from November.
  • Job growth was concentrated in professional and business services, particularly in healthcare and legal fields.
  • Manufacturing and education sectors saw slight job losses, attributed to seasonal adjustments.
  • Average hourly wages continued to rise, up 0.3% from November to $29.40.

Industries and Occupations on the Rise:

  • Healthcare: Added 150 jobs, fueled by hiring in hospitals and nursing homes.
  • Legal Services: Gained 40 positions, benefiting from increased demand for business litigation and corporate law expertise.
  • Computer and Mathematical Occupations: Saw continued growth with 30 new jobs, driven by software development and data analysis roles.

Industries and Occupations Facing Downturns:

  • Manufacturing: Shed 80 jobs, primarily in durable goods production.
  • Educational Services: Lost 50 positions, likely due to the end of temporary hiring for holiday programs.
  • Retail Trade: Remained flat, reflecting the post-holiday lull in consumer spending.

Year-over-Year Comparison:

  • Bloomington’s unemployment rate decreased slightly compared to December 2022 (3.7%), indicating a sustained recovery from the pandemic’s impact.
  • Job growth, however, has slowed compared to the robust hiring seen in 2022.

Month-over-Month Comparison:

  • December’s job numbers remained unchanged from November, marking a pause in the steady upward trend observed throughout the fall.
  • This stability signals a potential plateau in hiring as businesses approach the new year with cautious optimism.

Future Outlook:

  • Economic projections for Bloomington in 2024 remain positive, with moderate job growth expected in healthcare, technology, and professional services.
  • However, factors like global economic uncertainty and potential interest rate hikes could pose challenges to sustained expansion.

10 Growing Occupations in Bloomington, IN (December 2023):

  1. Registered Nurses
  2. Software Developers
  3. Physician Assistants
  4. Marketing Specialists
  5. Truck Drivers
  6. Accountants and Auditors
  7. Customer Service Representatives
  8. Elementary School Teachers
  9. General and Operations Managers
  10. Construction Laborers

10 Companies Hiring Now in Bloomington, IN (December 2023):

  1. Indiana University Health Bloomington
  2. Cook Medical
  3. Crane Group
  4. Bloomington Public Schools
  5. Bloomington Hospital
  6. Cummins Inc.
  7. IU Health Bloomington Physician Network
  8. Ivy Tech Community College
  9. Bloomington Police Department
  10. Bloomington Fire Department

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