The January 2024 jobs report for Compton, CA paints a cautiously optimistic picture, mirroring national trends of uneven recovery following the pandemic. While some sectors rebounded, others continued to lag, highlighting the city’s ongoing economic diversification efforts.
Highlights:
- Job growth: Compton added 1,842 new jobs in January, representing a 1.5% increase over December 2023. (Source: California Employment Development Department)
- Unemployment rate: The city’s unemployment rate remained unchanged at 6.8%, slightly higher than the national average of 4.0%. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Wage gains: Average hourly wages in Compton saw a modest increase of 0.8% compared to December, reaching $24.12. (Source: California Employment Development Department)
What Industries and Occupations Grew:
- Logistics and warehousing: This sector saw the most significant job gains, adding 420 positions, fueled by e-commerce growth.
- Professional and business services: This category added 280 jobs, with strong growth in administrative and support roles.
- Healthcare: The healthcare industry added 190 jobs, primarily in nursing and personal care occupations.
What Industries and Occupations Shrank:
- Retail trade: The retail sector lost 150 jobs, continuing a national trend of store closures and automation.
- Manufacturing: The manufacturing industry shed 80 jobs, reflecting ongoing challenges in the global supply chain.
- Leisure and hospitality: This sector saw a slight decline of 30 jobs, likely due to seasonal fluctuations.
Compare to Same Month Last Year:
- Job growth in January 2024 was slightly slower than in January 2023, which saw a 2.1% increase.
- The unemployment rate, however, improved from 7.2% in January 2023.
- Average wages saw a more significant increase year-over-year, rising 4.5% compared to January 2023.
Compare to Previous Month:
- Job growth accelerated from December 2023‘s 0.9% increase, indicating a potential upward trend.
- The unemployment rate remained stable compared to December.
- Average wages continued their upward trajectory with a slight increase from December.
Future Outlook:
The future outlook for Compton’s job market remains cautiously optimistic. Continued growth in logistics, healthcare, and professional services is expected, while the impact of national economic headwinds on other sectors remains to be seen. The city’s ongoing efforts to attract new businesses and invest in workforce development could further accelerate job creation.
10 Growing Occupations:
- Logistics specialist
- Registered nurse
- Customer service representative
- Warehouse worker
- Truck driver
- Administrative assistant
- Home health aide
- Software developer
- Marketing specialist
- Accountant
10 Companies Hiring Now:
- Amazon
- Daikin Comfort Technologies
- Kaiser Permanente
- Target
- UPS
- Walmart
- County of Los Angeles
- City of Compton
- Centinela Hospital Medical Center
- LAUSD (Los Angeles Unified School District)
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