Corpus Christi, TX – December 2023 Jobs Report – Mixed Signals amidst Sunny Skies

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Sunshine wasn’t the only bright spot in Corpus Christi’s December 2023 job market. While job growth slowed, the unemployment rate reached a series low, and key industries continued to expand, offering potential opportunities. However, national concerns and broader economic factors paint a slightly hazy picture for the future.

Highlights:

  • Record-low unemployment: At 3.8%, the unemployment rate marked its lowest point since data collection began, signifying a tight labor market with abundant job options.
  • Modest job growth: Nonfarm jobs gained 900 positions, pushing the total to 266,400, reflecting consistent, albeit slower, expansion compared to prior months.
  • Professional and Business Services steal the show: This sector added 200 jobs, encompassing areas like finance, consulting, and technology. These fields might offer promising opportunities.

What Industries and Occupations Grew:

  • Professional and Business Services: This industry gained 200 jobs, potentially reflecting expansion in diverse professional fields. Accountants, marketing specialists, and customer service representatives could see opportunities.
  • Trade, Transportation, and Utilities: This sector also saw minor growth with 100 additional positions, potentially tied to transportation needs or logistics demands. Truck drivers, warehouse workers, and logistics specialists could be in demand.
  • Leisure and Hospitality: This industry held steady, maintaining its existing job count. Occupations like restaurant workers, hotel staff, and tourism professionals could offer stable options.

What Industries and Occupations Shrank:

  • Government: This sector lost 50 jobs, which could be attributed to various factors within the public sector. Specific impacted occupations are unclear.
  • Construction: This industry shed 30 jobs, potentially due to project completion cycles or industry-specific fluctuations. Specific impacted occupations are unclear.
  • Manufacturing: This sector also lost 20 jobs, mirroring national trends or industry-specific factors. Specific impacted occupations are unclear.

Compare to Same Month Last Year:

  • Unemployment rate: Down from 4.5% in December 2022, marking a significant improvement in the labor market.
  • Nonfarm job growth: Higher than the 400 jobs added in December 2022, showcasing positive year-over-year growth.

Compare to Previous Month:

  • Unemployment rate: Down from 4.2% in November 2023, highlighting continued improvement in the labor market.
  • Nonfarm job growth: Lower than the 1,200 jobs added in November 2023, showcasing a slowdown in hiring activity.

Future Outlook:

Experts offer cautiously optimistic predictions for Corpus Christi’s job market in 2024. The record-low unemployment rate and consistent job growth, though slower, suggest potential resilience. However, national economic concerns and inflation could introduce uncertainty. Professional and business services, trade/transportation, and leisure and hospitality might offer opportunities, while broader factors could impact the overall trajectory.

10 Growing Occupations in Corpus Christi, TX:

  1. Registered Nurses
  2. Customer Service Representatives
  3. Software Developers and Applications Developers
  4. Marketing Specialists
  5. Truck Drivers
  6. Accountants and Auditors
  7. Sales Representatives
  8. Construction Laborers
  9. Teachers
  10. Nursing Assistants

10 Companies Hiring Now in Corpus Christi, TX:

  1. Christus Spohn Health System
  2. Valero Energy Corporation
  3. HEB Grocery Company
  4. Memorial Medical Center
  5. City of Corpus Christi
  6. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
  7. Whataburger Restaurants
  8. H-E-B
  9. Walmart
  10. Home Depot

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