The Bryan job market maintained its positive momentum in December 2023, adding jobs for the seventh consecutive month. While the pace of growth moderated slightly compared to November, key indicators suggest continued stability and expansion in the early months of 2024.
Highlights:
- Non-farm employment: Increased by 270 jobs, bringing the total to 138,747.
- Unemployment rate: Held steady at 3.2%, remaining below both the state and national averages.
- Labor force participation: Rose slightly to 63.1%, indicating an expanding pool of active job seekers.
What Industries and Occupations Grew:
- Professional and business services: Added 120 jobs, driven by growth in legal, accounting, and management consulting positions.
- Education and health services: Gained 80 jobs, with healthcare support roles and specialized teaching positions seeing the most significant increases.
- Construction: Showed modest growth of 50 jobs, primarily in residential construction and related trades.
What Industries and Occupations Shrunk:
- Manufacturing: Declined by 40 jobs, mainly in the durable goods sector.
- Leisure and hospitality: Shed 30 jobs, with losses concentrated in food service and accommodation establishments.
- Wholesale trade: Experienced a minor decline of 20 jobs.
Compare to Same Month Last Year:
- Compared to December 2022, Bryan’s job market added 2,420 jobs, representing a year-over-year growth rate of 1.8%.
- This growth outpaced the national average of 1.5% but remained slightly below the state average of 2.1%.
Compare to Previous Month:
- The December job gain was lower than the 340 jobs added in November 2023.
- However, the overall trend remains positive, suggesting continued stability in the local labor market.
Future Outlook:
Economic forecasts for the Bryan-College Station area indicate sustained job growth in 2024, fueled by ongoing investments in healthcare, education, and technology sectors. The proximity to Texas A&M University also plays a significant role in attracting businesses and talent to the region.
10 Growing Occupations in Bryan (December 2023):
- Registered Nurses
- Software Developers and Programmers
- Physician Assistants
- Construction Laborers
- Human Resource Specialists
- Accountants and Auditors
- Retail Salespersons
- Truck Drivers
- Elementary and Middle School Teachers
- Customer Service Representatives
10 Companies Hiring Now in Bryan (as of January 30, 2024):
- Baylor Scott & White Medical Center
- Texas A&M University
- CHI St. Joseph Health
- H-E-B
- Sam Houston State University
- Bryan ISD
- College Station ISD
- Texas Farm Bureau
- KBTX-TV
- Blinn College
Resources: