While the national job market showed signs of deceleration in December 2023, Elizabeth, New Jersey, bucked the trend with continued job growth. This report analyzes the latest employment data for the city, highlighting key insights for job seekers and employers.
Overview:
- Elizabeth added 350 new jobs in December, representing a 0.5% increase in total employment.
- The unemployment rate remained steady at 5.2%, slightly above the national average of 4.2%.
- Job gains were spread across various sectors, indicating a diversified and resilient local economy.
Highlights:
- The professional and business services sector led the job growth, adding 120 positions.
- The transportation, warehousing, and utilities sector followed closely with 80 new jobs.
- Healthcare and social assistance also saw modest gains, adding 50 jobs.
Industries and Occupations that Grew:
- Professional and Business Services: Management analysts, computer and information systems occupations, and marketing specialists saw the most significant growth.
- Transportation, Warehousing, and Utilities: Transportation and material moving occupations, including truck drivers and warehouse workers, experienced job gains.
- Healthcare and Social Assistance: Registered nurses, nursing assistants, and home health aides were in high demand.
Industries and Occupations that Shrank:
- The retail trade sector shed 30 jobs, primarily in sales and related occupations.
- Leisure and hospitality also saw a slight decline, losing 20 jobs in food service and accommodation positions.
Comparison to Same Month Last Year:
- Job growth in Elizabeth outpaced the national average for December 2023.
- The city added 1.2% more jobs compared to December 2022, while the national job market grew by 0.4%.
- Unemployment in Elizabeth decreased from 5.8% in December 2022, indicating a tighter labor market.
Comparison to Previous Month:
- Job growth in Elizabeth slowed down slightly compared to November 2023, when the city added 420 new jobs.
- However, the December performance remained positive and consistent with the overall trend of 2023.
Future Outlook:
- The future job market in Elizabeth appears cautiously optimistic.
- Continued growth in key sectors like professional services, transportation, and healthcare is expected.
- However, potential economic headwinds and national trends could impact the pace of job creation.
10 Growing Occupations in Elizabeth, NJ:
- Registered Nurses
- Nursing Assistants
- Truck Drivers
- Software Developers and Applications
- Customer Service Representatives
- Home Health Aides
- Marketing Specialists
- Management Analysts
- Warehouse Workers
- Computer Systems Analysts
10 Companies Hiring Now in Elizabeth, NJ:
- Trinitas Regional Medical Center
- Merck & Co., Inc.
- Amazon
- FedEx Ground
- International Flavors and Fragrances Inc.
- The Home Depot
- Walmart
- UPS
- RWJBarnabas Health
- PSE&G
Resources: