Duluth, MN – January 2024 Jobs Report – Winter Chill Subdued by Steady Hiring

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Overview: The January 2024 jobs report for Duluth, MN paints a picture of a stable and resilient job market, despite the typical seasonal slowdown experienced in the winter months. While growth wasn’t explosive, key sectors exhibited positive trends, offering encouraging signs for the year ahead.

Highlights:

  • Modest job growth: Duluth’s job market added 0.5% new jobs compared to December 2023, translating to roughly 200 positions.
  • Healthcare on the rise: The Healthcare & Social Assistance sector led the charge with a 1.3% increase, driven by job gains in Nursing, Personal Care Aides, and Medical Assistants.
  • Professional & Business Services steady: This sector maintained its momentum with a 0.8% job increase, particularly in Management, Marketing, and Computer & Information Systems occupations.

Industries and Occupations on the Rise:

  • Healthcare: The aging population and growing demand for medical services continue to fuel job growth in this sector. Look for opportunities in Registered Nursing, Home Health Aides, and Physical Therapists.
  • Professional & Business Services: Management Analysts, Marketing Specialists, and Computer Systems Analysts are in high demand, reflecting the expanding service sector in Duluth.

Industries and Occupations Facing Challenges:

  • Retail Trade: The Retail Trade sector witnessed a modest decline (-0.7%), potentially due to online shopping trends and automation.
  • Manufacturing: Manufacturing jobs remained flat in January, with some seasonal adjustments seen in certain industries.

Year-over-Year Comparison:

Compared to January 2023, Duluth’s job market has grown by 1.8%, adding approximately 700 new jobs. This indicates a moderate but consistent growth trajectory.

Month-over-Month Comparison:

While January showed slower growth compared to December 2023, the overall trend remains positive. The seasonal slowdown is expected, and the report suggests a stable and resilient job market in Duluth.

Future Outlook:

The Duluth job market is expected to see continued growth in 2024, with key areas of expansion including:

  • Healthcare: The aging population and healthcare advancements will drive job creation in this sector, particularly for nurses, therapists, and home healthcare workers.
  • Professional & Business Services: The demand for skilled professionals in management, marketing, and IT is expected to remain strong.
  • Education: Educators with expertise in special education, early childhood education, and technology integration will find opportunities in this growing sector.

Top 10 Growing Occupations in Duluth, MN (January 2024):

  1. Registered Nurses
  2. Home Health Aides
  3. Personal Care Aides
  4. Marketing Specialists
  5. Management Analysts
  6. Software Developers
  7. Physician Assistants
  8. Physical Therapists
  9. Special Education Teachers
  10. Computer Systems Analysts

Top 10 Companies Hiring Now in Duluth, MN (February 2024):

  1. Essentia Health
  2. St. Luke’s Hospital
  3. City of Duluth
  4. University of Minnesota Duluth
  5. St. Louis County
  6. maurices
  7. Walmart
  8. Home Depot
  9. Target
  10. U.S. Bank

Sources: