Bowling Green, KY – January 2024 Jobs Report – Momentum Maintains Upward Trajectory

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Bowling Green’s job market continued its positive trajectory in January 2024, building upon the momentum established in 2023. New job creation remained steady, unemployment held low, and key industries showed encouraging signs of expansion. Notably, the opening of Tyson Foods’ new bacon production plant contributed significantly, adding nearly 450 jobs to the local economy.

Highlights:

  • Unemployment rate: 3.5%, slightly lower than December 2023 (3.8%) and significantly lower than January 2023 (4.2%).
  • Job growth: Over 200 new jobs added in January, primarily in manufacturing, healthcare, and professional services.
  • Tyson Foods impact: The new bacon production plant, operational since January 25th, is expected to inject significant economic activity into the region.

What Industries and Occupations Grew:

  • Manufacturing: Led by Tyson Foods’ expansion, manufacturing saw notable job growth, particularly in production and processing roles.
  • Healthcare: Hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare providers continued to add jobs, with demand for nurses, therapists, and administrative staff remaining high.
  • Professional services: Accounting, legal, and other professional services firms saw steady job growth, reflecting the city’s expanding business community.

What Industries and Occupations Shrank:

  • Retail: Some retail establishments experienced slight job losses, likely due to seasonal fluctuations and ongoing online shopping trends.
  • Leisure and hospitality: While overall growth remained positive, some restaurants and hotels saw minor job reductions.

Compare to Same Month Last Year:

  • Unemployment rate: Down from 4.2% in January 2023, indicating a tighter labor market and increased job opportunities.
  • Job growth: Positive job creation continued, albeit at a slightly slower pace compared to January 2023.

Compare to Previous Month:

  • Unemployment rate: Slightly lower than December 2023, suggesting sustained economic stability.
  • Job growth: Similar to December 2023, maintaining consistent job creation trends.

Future Outlook:

The outlook for Bowling Green’s job market remains positive, fueled by ongoing economic development initiatives, the presence of major employers like Tyson Foods, and continued growth in key industries. However, potential headwinds like national economic fluctuations and industry-specific challenges warrant monitoring.

10 Growing Occupations:

  1. Registered Nurse
  2. Physician Assistant
  3. Customer Service Representative
  4. Software Developer
  5. Truck Driver
  6. Sales Representative
  7. Marketing Specialist
  8. Accountant
  9. Teacher
  10. Construction Worker

10 Companies Hiring Now:

  1. Tyson Foods
  2. Western Kentucky University
  3. Medcenter Health
  4. Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce
  5. General Motors Bowling Green Assembly
  6. Summit Medical Equipment
  7. Bowling Green Independent School District
  8. City of Bowling Green
  9. Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College
  10. Fruit of the Loom

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