Erie’s job market ended 2023 on a stable note, adding jobs for the fourth consecutive month and maintaining a low unemployment rate. While the pace of growth moderated compared to earlier in the year, it outperformed the national slowdown, offering positive signals for the city’s economic resilience.
Highlights:
- Job gains: Erie added 250 jobs in December, bringing the total increase for the year to 2,300.
- Unemployment rate: The unemployment rate held steady at 3.2%, remaining below the national average of 3.9%.
- Labor force participation: The labor force participation rate ticked up slightly to 62.5%, indicating continued engagement in the workforce.
What Industries and Occupations Grew:
- Healthcare: Healthcare added 100 jobs, driven by continued demand for nurses, aides, and medical technicians.
- Education: The education sector added 50 jobs, primarily in public schools and higher education institutions.
- Professional and business services: This sector gained 40 jobs, with growth in positions like accountants, marketing specialists, and management consultants.
What Industries and Occupations Shrrank:
- Manufacturing: The manufacturing sector shed 75 jobs, reflecting ongoing challenges in the supply chain and global economic headwinds.
- Retail: Retail trade lost 50 jobs, continuing a national trend of online shopping impacting brick-and-mortar stores.
Compare to Same Month Last Year:
- Compared to December 2022, Erie’s job growth was slightly slower, with a gain of 250 jobs versus 300 jobs added the previous year.
- However, the unemployment rate remained significantly lower than the 4.7% recorded in December 2022.
Compare to Previous Month:
- December’s job gain was slightly higher than the 200 jobs added in November 2023.
- The unemployment rate remained unchanged from the previous month.
Future Outlook:
While the national economic outlook remains uncertain, Erie’s continued job growth and low unemployment suggest some level of insulation from broader challenges. Healthcare, education, and professional services are expected to remain key drivers of the local economy in the coming months.
10 Growing Occupations in Erie:
- Registered Nurses
- Nursing Assistants and Home Health Aides
- Physician Assistants
- General and Operations Managers
- Marketing Specialists
- Accountants and Auditors
- Software Developers and Programmers
- Truck Drivers
- Customer Service Representatives
- Construction Laborers
10 Companies Hiring Now in Erie:
- GE Transportation
- Erie Insurance
- Saint Vincent Hospital
- Erie County Public Schools
- First National Bank of Pennsylvania
- Wegmans
- Erie Community College
- Lord Corporation
- UPMC Hamot
- Erie International Airport
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