Chicago, IL – January 2024 Job Market Report – Hiring Heats Up in the Windy City

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Overview

The January 2024 job market report for Chicago paints a picture of a growing and dynamic employment landscape. Job seekers in the Windy City can be cautiously optimistic, as several sectors show significant hiring activity. While some industries continue to grapple with post-pandemic challenges, the overall trend suggests a strengthening economy.

Highlights

  • The professional and business services sector led job growth, adding a substantial number of positions in January.
  • Healthcare and social assistance also saw significant gains, particularly in healthcare practitioner roles.
  • Construction showed positive signs of recovery, with a notable increase in openings for skilled trades workers.

What Industries and Occupations Grew

  • Professional and business services: Management analysts, accountants, and marketing specialists were in high demand.
  • Healthcare and social assistance: Registered nurses, physician assistants, and home health aides saw a surge in job openings.
  • Construction: Carpenters, electricians, and plumbers were actively sought after as building projects ramped up.

What Industries and Occupations Shrunk

  • Leisure and hospitality: The industry continued to face challenges, with some food service and accommodation establishments experiencing slow hiring.
  • Retail trade: This sector saw a slight decline in job postings compared to December 2023.

Compare to Same Month Last Year

Compared to January 2023, Chicago’s job market shows significant improvement. Most major industries have added positions year-over-year, reflecting a more robust local economy.

Compare to Previous Month

Job growth in Chicago accelerated from December 2023 to January 2024. This suggests a positive trajectory for the local labor market in the coming months.

Future Outlook

The future outlook for Chicago’s job market appears encouraging. Continued economic expansion, coupled with infrastructure projects and a growing population, are expected to drive further job creation. However, potential headwinds like inflation and rising interest rates could dampen hiring activity in certain sectors.

10 Growing Occupations

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these are ten of the fastest-growing occupations in Chicago:

  1. Solar Photovoltaic Installers
  2. Wind Turbine Service Technicians
  3. Home Health Aides
  4. Personal Care Aides
  5. Software Developers, Applications
  6. Database Administrators
  7. Medical Assistants
  8. Nurse Practitioners
  9. Physician Assistants
  10. Marketing Specialists

10 Companies Hiring Now

  1. Accenture
  2. Amazon
  3. Boeing
  4. Deloitte
  5. Grant Thornton LLP
  6. Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
  7. JPMorgan Chase & Co.
  8. Northwestern Medicine
  9. PwC
  10. United Airlines

Cited Resources