The Columbia, MO job market continued its positive trend in January 2024, with significant growth across various sectors. The unemployment rate remained low, indicating a strong demand for skilled workers.
Highlights:
- The unemployment rate in Columbia dipped to 2.8%, down from 3.1% in December 2023.
- Several industries experienced job growth, including healthcare, professional and business services, and education.
- There was a continued demand for workers in healthcare support occupations, construction trades, and computer and mathematical occupations.
What Industries and Occupations Grew:
- Healthcare: The healthcare industry added the most new jobs in January, driven by growth in outpatient care facilities and hospitals. Healthcare support occupations, such as nursing assistants and medical technicians, saw significant growth.
- Professional and Business Services: This sector experienced growth in professional, scientific, and technical services, as well as management occupations.
- Education: The education sector added jobs in both public and private schools, with growth in teachers, teacher aides, and special education assistants.
- Construction: The construction industry continued its upward trend, adding jobs in various trades, including carpenters, electricians, and plumbers.
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations: The demand for computer and mathematical occupations remained strong, with growth in software developers, computer systems analysts, and database administrators.
What Industries and Occupations Shrank:
- Leisure and hospitality industry saw a slight decline in jobs, primarily in food service occupations.
- Retail trade also experienced a small decrease in jobs, mainly in sales and customer service positions.
Compare to Same Month Last Year:
Compared to January 2023, the Columbia job market has shown significant improvement. The unemployment rate has decreased by 0.7%, and several industries have added a substantial number of new jobs.
Compare to Previous Month:
The January 2024 job market report indicates continued growth compared to December 2023. The unemployment rate further decreased, and job growth was observed across various sectors.
Future Outlook:
The future outlook for the Columbia job market remains positive. The continued growth in healthcare, professional services, and construction is expected to create new job opportunities in the coming months.
10 Growing Occupations in Columbia, MO (Source: [bls.gov])
- Registered Nurses
- Nursing Assistants
- Home Health Aides
- Personal Care Aides
- Software Developers, Applications
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons
- Construction Laborers
- Customer Service Representatives
- Accountants and Auditors
- Marketing Managers
10 Companies Hiring Now in Columbia, MO (Source: [indeed.com])
- University of Missouri
- Boone Hospital Center
- Columbia Public Schools
- Veterans Affairs Hospital
- Shelter Insurance Companies
- General Motors
- AscendTMS
- Matsui Corporation
- City of Columbia, Missouri
- Cargill