Boca Raton, FL – December 2023 Jobs Report – Sunshine State Sees Steady Growth

, ,

December 2023 painted a positive picture for Boca Raton’s job market, reflecting a modest but consistent expansion. The unemployment rate held low at 2.8%, marking a slight increase from the previous year but remaining below the state average. Nonagricultural employment reached 691,700, adding 7,400 new jobs compared to December 2022. This 1.1% growth indicates sustained momentum in the local economy.

Highlights:

  • Overall job growth: 1.1% increase in nonagricultural employment year-over-year.
  • Unemployment rate: Steady at 2.8%, slightly higher than December 2022 but below the state average.
  • Key growth sectors: Trade, Transportation, and Utilities; Professional and Business Services; Leisure and Hospitality.

Industries and Occupations on the Rise:

  • Trade, Transportation, and Utilities: This sector saw the strongest growth, adding 3,400 jobs (2.8%) within the year. Transportation and warehousing positions, particularly truck drivers and delivery personnel, were in high demand.
  • Professional and Business Services: This sector added 2,200 jobs (2.2%), driven by continued expansion in areas like computer systems design, management consulting, and healthcare administration.
  • Leisure and Hospitality: As tourism bounced back, this sector gained 1,300 jobs (2.2%). Food preparation and serving occupations, along with travel reservation agents and guest service representatives, saw increased hiring.

Industries and Occupations Facing Downturn:

  • Construction: This sector experienced a small decline, losing 100 jobs (-0.2%). However, the overall outlook remains positive with ongoing infrastructure projects and residential development.
  • Manufacturing: This sector also saw a slight decrease, shedding 200 jobs (-0.9%). This aligns with national trends, but specific reasons for the local dip are unclear.

Year-over-Year Comparison:

  • December 2023 showed continued job growth compared to December 2022, with a slightly higher unemployment rate.
  • Trade, Transportation, and Utilities, Professional and Business Services, and Leisure and Hospitality exhibited the most significant expansions year-over-year.
  • Construction and Manufacturing experienced minor job losses compared to the previous year.

Month-over-Month Comparison:

  • Job growth slowed down slightly compared to November 2023, which added 1,400 positions.
  • All major sectors except Information added jobs in December, indicating broad-based growth.

Future Outlook:

  • The Boca Raton job market is expected to maintain its positive trajectory in 2024, with growth projected in sectors like healthcare, technology, and tourism.
  • However, potential economic headwinds like inflation and rising interest rates could pose challenges.

10 Growing Occupations in Boca Raton (December 2023):

  1. Registered Nurses
  2. Software Developers and Applications
  3. Marketing Specialists
  4. Customer Service Representatives
  5. Truck Drivers
  6. Personal Care Aides
  7. Sales Representatives
  8. Elementary School Teachers
  9. Accountants and Auditors
  10. Financial Analysts

10 Companies Hiring Now in Boca Raton:

  1. IBM
  2. FAU Tech Runway
  3. Baptist Health South Florida
  4. The GEO Group
  5. NCCI Holdings, Inc.
  6. ADT Security
  7. Office Depot
  8. Lord Abbett & Co.
  9. AutoNation
  10. Wawa

Cited Resources: