Cape Coral, FL – December 2023 Jobs Report – Sunshine Shines on Steady Growth

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December 2023 brought positive news for Cape Coral’s job market, with modest job gains and a stable unemployment rate. While final, seasonally adjusted data isn’t available yet, preliminary figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) paint a picture of a recovering economy showing continued progress.

Highlights:

  • Employment: Total employment in the Cape Coral-Fort Myers Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) reached 349,300, representing an increase of 1,500 jobs from November 2023 and 5,400 jobs from December 2022.
  • Unemployment: The unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.9%, indicating a competitive labor market compared to 4.3% in December 2022.

Growing Industries and Occupations:

  • Leisure and Hospitality: This sector led the pack with 500 new jobs, fueled by growth in restaurants and hotels, reflecting a rebounding tourism industry.
  • Trade, Transportation, and Utilities: Employment jumped by 400 jobs, primarily in transportation and warehousing positions.
  • Professional and Business Services: This sector added 300 jobs, driven by expansion in professional, scientific, and technical services occupations.
  • Construction: This sector gained 200 jobs, indicating potential growth in the local housing market.

Shrinking Industries and Occupations:

  • Government: Public sector employment decreased by 50 jobs, potentially due to seasonal fluctuations or budget constraints.
  • Information: Employment in telecommunications and information services dipped by 20 jobs.
  • Manufacturing: This sector shed 10 jobs, primarily in durable goods manufacturing.

Compared to Same Month Last Year:

  • Total employment is up by 5,400 jobs compared to December 2022, representing a 1.6% increase.
  • The unemployment rate has improved slightly, remaining stable at 3.9% compared to 4.3% in December 2022.

Compared to Previous Month:

  • December 2023 saw slightly more job gains than November 2023, suggesting a potential acceleration in hiring activity.
  • The unemployment rate remained stable, indicating a steady labor market.

Future Outlook:

Experts predict continued job growth for Cape Coral in 2024, fueled by ongoing expansion in tourism, healthcare, and construction sectors. However, national economic challenges like inflation and rising interest rates could impact future trends.

10 Growing Occupations:

  1. Registered Nurses
  2. Home Health and Personal Care Aides
  3. Customer Service Representatives
  4. Retail Salespersons
  5. Chefs and Cooks
  6. Construction Laborers
  7. Waiters and Waitresses
  8. Truck Drivers
  9. Marketing Specialists
  10. Elementary and Middle School Teachers

10 Companies Hiring Now:

  1. Lee Health
  2. Publix Super Markets
  3. Walmart
  4. Lee County School District
  5. Arthrex
  6. Hertz Corporation
  7. Marriott International
  8. Hilton Worldwide Holdings
  9. Lowe’s Companies, Inc.
  10. Wendy’s

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