Edmond’s job market finished 2023 on a positive note, adding back jobs lost during the typical December holiday lull and showcasing continued resilience in the face of national economic uncertainty.
Highlights:
- Job gains: Edmond added 840 jobs in December, a 0.7% increase in total nonfarm employment.
- Unemployment rate: The unemployment rate ticked down to 3.2%, remaining near historic lows.
- Positive momentum: This follows a slight decline in November (-270 jobs) and marks the third consecutive month of job growth since September.
What Industries and Occupations Grew:
- Professional and business services: Led the way with 320 new jobs, driven by growth in accounting, legal, and management consulting positions.
- Education and health services: Added 210 jobs, with gains in healthcare support occupations and special education teachers.
- Trade, transportation, and utilities: Increased by 140 jobs, fueled by hiring in warehousing and truck transportation.
What Industries and Occupations Shrank:
- Leisure and hospitality: Shed 180 jobs, primarily in food service and accommodation sectors.
- Manufacturing: Declined by 120 jobs, with losses concentrated in machinery and fabricated metal product manufacturing.
- Construction: Decreased by 90 jobs, reflecting the typical seasonal slowdown in the industry.
Compare to Same Month Last Year:
- Edmond’s job market outperformed compared to December 2022, adding 840 jobs this year versus 570 jobs last year.
- This translates to a stronger year-over-year growth rate of 0.7% in December 2023 compared to 0.5% in December 2022.
Compare to Previous Month:
- December’s job gains reversed the slight decline observed in November (-270 jobs), indicating a positive trajectory heading into the new year.
Future Outlook:
- Edmond’s economy is projected to remain stable in the coming months, with continued job growth expected in professional and business services, healthcare, and education sectors.
- Potential challenges include ongoing national economic headwinds and fluctuations in energy prices, which could impact local manufacturing and related industries.
10 Growing Occupations in Edmond, OK (December 2023):
- Registered nurses
- Software developers and programmers
- Accountants and auditors
- Truck drivers
- Marketing specialists
- Physician assistants
- General and operations managers
- Customer service representatives
- Elementary and middle school teachers
- Warehouse laborers
10 Companies Hiring Now in Edmond, OK (December 2023):
- Integris Health Edmond
- University of Central Oklahoma
- Love’s Travel Stops
- Cox Communications
- BancFirst
- Saint Anthony Hospital
- Schlumberger
- Devon Energy
- Sonic Drive-In
- Charles Schwab
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