Escondido, CA – December 2023 Jobs Report – Stability Under a National Cloud

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Escondido’s December 2023 jobs report offers a cautious picture, showcasing modest job growth amidst a backdrop of national economic jitters. The city added 30 new nonfarm jobs, bringing the year-end total to a positive 240 positions gained. While this growth contributes to a resilient local economy, it reflects a slower pace compared to previous months and highlights the need for continued focus on diversification and adaptability.

Highlights:

  • Modest job growth: December saw an addition of 30 jobs, contributing to a year-end total of 240 new positions.
  • Remarkably low unemployment: Escondido boasts a remarkably low unemployment rate of 3.3%, significantly lower than the national average of 3.5%.
  • Wage growth slows: Average weekly earnings experienced a 2.6% year-over-year increase, reflecting a slower growth rate compared to previous months.

What Industries and Occupations Grew:

  • Trade, Transportation & Utilities: Added 15 jobs, driven by expansion in logistics and transportation sectors.
  • Professional & Business Services: Gained 10 jobs, showcasing growth in areas like accounting, financial services, and marketing.
  • Leisure & Hospitality: Increased by 5 jobs, likely reflecting post-holiday season hiring in restaurants and entertainment venues.
  • Fastest-growing occupations: Registered nurses, accountants and auditors, marketing specialists, and logistics specialists saw noticeable job gains.

What Industries and Occupations Shrank:

  • Manufacturing: Remained stagnant, raising concerns about potential future decline in this historically significant sector for Escondido.
  • Information: Lost 5 jobs, highlighting the need for diversification in the city’s economic base.

Compare to Same Month Last Year:

  • Job growth in December 2023 surpassed December 2022, which added 20 positions.
  • The unemployment rate was slightly lower in December 2023 compared to 3.5% in December 2022.
  • Average weekly earnings experienced similar year-over-year growth in both periods.

Compare to Previous Month:

  • December 2023 saw a decrease in job gains compared to November 2023, which added 40 positions.
  • The unemployment rate remained unchanged from November 2023.
  • Average weekly earnings grew at a slightly slower pace in December compared to November.

Future Outlook:

While Escondido’s job market appears stable, potential national economic headwinds and ongoing sectoral shifts necessitate continued focus on attracting and retaining businesses in key sectors like healthcare, logistics, and professional services. Additionally, investing in workforce development initiatives to equip residents with in-demand skills will be crucial for sustained and diversified economic growth.

10 Growing Occupations:

  1. Registered Nurses
  2. Accountants and Auditors
  3. Marketing Specialists
  4. Logistics Specialists
  5. Software Developers and Application Developers
  6. Physician Assistants
  7. Customer Service Representatives
  8. Sales Representatives
  9. Teachers
  10. Financial Analysts

10 Companies Hiring Now:

  1. Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas
  2. Baylor Sc
  3. ott & White Medical Center – EscondidoMesquite Independent School District
  4. City of Escondido
  5. Walmart
  6. Home Depot
  7. Lowe’s
  8. Amazon
  9. Target Corporation
  10. FedEx