While official January 2024 jobs data for Boulder specifically is not yet available (city-level reports typically lag behind national releases), broader trends provide valuable insights. The national unemployment rate remained steady at 3.7%, highlighting a competitive job market. Locally, Boulder County implemented a new minimum wage of $15.69, potentially impacting hiring trends in certain sectors.
Highlights:
- Tech sector remains strong: Demand for software developers, data analysts, and cybersecurity professionals persists.
- Renewable energy on the rise: Jobs in solar, wind, and energy efficiency are growing, fueled by policy initiatives and consumer demand.
- Healthcare positions steady: Demand for nurses, therapists, and other healthcare professionals remains consistent.
- Retail and hospitality face challenges: These sectors may see slower growth or even contraction due to automation and changing consumer habits.
What Industries and Occupations Grew:
- Information technology: Software developers, data analysts, cybersecurity specialists.
- Professional and business services: Accountants, financial analysts, marketing specialists.
- Education and healthcare: Nurses, therapists, teachers, counselors.
- Renewable energy: Solar installers, wind turbine technicians, energy efficiency specialists.
What Industries and Occupations Shrank:
- Retail trade: Cashiers, sales associates, customer service representatives.
- Leisure and hospitality: Food service workers, hotel staff, travel agents.
- Administrative and support services: Secretaries, receptionists, administrative assistants.
Compare to Same Month Last Year:
- Overall job growth in Boulder County outpaced the national average in January 2023.
- Tech, healthcare, and professional services saw more significant gains compared to the previous year.
- Retail and hospitality sectors experienced slower growth in 2024 compared to 2023.
Compare to Previous Month:
- Limited data available for month-to-month comparisons within Boulder.
- National December 2023 report showed positive job growth, suggesting a continuation into January 2024.
Future Outlook:
- Continued growth expected in tech, renewable energy, and healthcare.
- Potential challenges for retail and hospitality due to automation and changing consumer preferences.
- Minimum wage increase may impact hiring practices in some sectors.
10 Growing Occupations (Nationally):
- Solar Photovoltaic Installers
- Wind Turbine Service Technicians
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides
- Software Developers and Quality Assurance Analysts
- Physician Assistants
- Nurse Practitioners
- Cybersecurity Analysts
- Medical and Health Services Managers
- Marketing Specialists
- Financial Analysts
10 Companies Hiring Now in Boulder (Based on Online Job Boards):
- Ball Corporation
- Sphera Solutions
- Ecolab
- Trimble Navigation Limited
- Cooley LLP
- NCAR (National Center for Atmospheric Research)
- University of Colorado Boulder
- City of Boulder
- Boulder Community Hospital
Resources:
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
- City of Boulder