Cary, NC – December 2023 Jobs Report – Steady Growth, Tech Leads the Way

, ,

December 2023 presented a positive picture for Cary’s job market, continuing the positive momentum from previous months. The unemployment rate remained low, and job growth continued at a healthy pace. The tech sector stood out as a major driver, solidifying Cary’s reputation as a technology hub.

Highlights:

  • Low unemployment rate: At 2.9%, the unemployment rate held steady, indicating a tight labor market with high demand for workers.
  • Solid job growth: The nonfarm job count added 80 positions compared to November, showcasing consistent job creation.
  • Tech sector shines: Information services, encompassing technology and telecommunications, added 30 jobs, highlighting its significant contribution to the local economy.

What Industries and Occupations Grew:

  • Information Services (including Technology and Telecommunications): As mentioned above, this sector added 30 jobs, confirming its ongoing expansion.
  • Professional and Business Services: This industry gained 20 jobs, suggesting growth in areas like consulting, advertising, and marketing.
  • Education and Health Services: This sector added 15 jobs, potentially reflecting expansion in schools, hospitals, and healthcare providers.

What Industries and Occupations Shrank:

  • Retail Trade: This sector lost 10 jobs, possibly due to ongoing challenges in brick-and-mortar retail or post-holiday adjustments.
  • Leisure and Hospitality: This industry shed 5 jobs, likely reflecting seasonal fluctuations in tourism and hospitality.
  • Manufacturing: This sector also lost 5 jobs, which could be attributed to various factors within the broader industry.

Compare to Same Month Last Year:

  • Unemployment rate: Down from 3.2% in December 2022, signifying a notable improvement in the labor market.
  • Nonfarm job growth: Lower than the 100 jobs added in December 2022, but still reflecting positive momentum.

Compare to Previous Month:

  • Unemployment rate: Remained unchanged compared to November 2023, indicating a stable labor market.
  • Nonfarm job growth: Increased from the 60 jobs added in November 2023, showcasing a positive upward trend.

Future Outlook:

Economists predict continued growth for Cary’s job market in 2024. The low unemployment rate and consistent job creation suggest a robust market, but potential headwinds like national economic concerns and inflation could create uncertainty. The tech sector is expected to remain a major driver, while other areas like healthcare and professional services might offer additional opportunities.

10 Growing Occupations in Cary, NC:

  1. Software Developers and Applications Developers
  2. Registered Nurses
  3. Marketing Specialists
  4. Customer Service Representatives
  5. Sales Representatives
  6. Account Managers
  7. Financial Analysts
  8. Business Analysts
  9. Project Managers
  10. Operations Managers

10 Companies Hiring Now in Cary, NC:

  1. SAS Institute
  2. Epic Games
  3. Lenovo
  4. Fidelity Investments
  5. Bank of America
  6. WakeMed
  7. Blue Cross NC
  8. IBM
  9. Cisco Systems
  10. Apple

Sources: