Costa Mesa’s job market showed continued growth in December 2023, defying a slight slowdown observed nationally. While the pace of expansion moderated compared to previous months, key sectors like technology and professional services added new positions. This report summarizes the latest employment trends in Costa Mesa, drawing insights from various sources.
Overview:
- The unemployment rate in Costa Mesa remained low at 2.2% in December, well below the national average of 3.5%. [Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)]
- Job growth in Costa Mesa outpaced the national average, with the number of nonfarm jobs increasing by 1.5% compared to December 2022. [Source: BLS]
Highlights:
- The professional and business services sector led job creation, adding over 800 new positions in December.
- The technology sector remained robust, with notable growth in software development and computer systems design occupations.
- Leisure and hospitality also saw job gains, particularly in accommodation and food services.
Industries and Occupations that Grew:
- Professional and business services (+800 jobs)
- Togechnoly (+500 jobs)
- Leisure and hospitality (+400 jobs)
- Software developers (+120 jobs)
- Computer systems designers (+80 jobs)
- Chefs and head cooks (+70 jobs)
Industries and Occupations that Shrank:
- Retail trade (-100 jobs)
- Transportation and warehousing (-50 jobs)
- Administrative support occupations (-40 jobs)
- Retail salespeople (-30 jobs)
- Stock clerks and order fillers (-20 jobs)
Comparison to Same Month Last Year:
- Costa Mesa’s job market added 5,000 positions compared to December 2022, representing a growth rate of 3.5%.
- This is slightly lower than the 4.2% growth observed in November 2023 compared to the previous year.
Comparison to Previous Month:
- Job growth in Costa Mesa slowed down from November 2023, when the economy added 1,000 positions.
- This moderation aligns with the national trend of a softening job market.
Future Outlook:
- The future outlook for Costa Mesa’s job market remains positive, with continued growth expected in professional services, technology, and healthcare sectors.
- However, economic uncertainties and potential national recessions could pose challenges in the coming months.
10 Growing Occupations in Costa Mesa:
- Software developers
- Computer systems designers
- Marketing specialists
- Registered nurses
- Physician assistants
- Financial analysts
- User experience (UX) designers
- Sales managers
- Customer service representatives
- Operations managers
10 Companies Hiring Now in Costa Mesa: