Evanston, IL – January 2024 Jobs Report – Steady Amidst Uncertainty

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Evanston’s January 2024 jobs report indicates a stable labor market despite national economic fluctuations. While job growth wasn’t robust, the unemployment rate remained consistent at 4.2%, outperforming the national average of 4.6% (Bureau of Labor Statistics, January 2024). This stability reflects the city’s diverse economic base and resilience in various sectors.

Highlights:

  • Unemployment rate: Steady at 4.2%, lower than the national average.
  • Job growth: Modest, signaling a cautious economic climate.
  • Key industries: Healthcare, education, and professional services maintained stability.
  • Wage growth: Moderate, with some variations across industries and occupations.

What Industries and Occupations Grew:

  • Healthcare: Continued demand for nurses, medical assistants, and therapists.
  • Education: Growth in early childhood education and special education positions.
  • Professional and business services: Increased hiring in marketing, accounting, and technology roles.

What Industries and Occupations Shrank:

  • Retail: Declining brick-and-mortar sales impacted employment in this sector.
  • Leisure and hospitality: Limited growth, mainly in seasonal positions.
  • Manufacturing: Job losses concentrated in specific manufacturing subsectors.

Compare to Same Month Last Year:

  • Unemployment rate slightly higher than January 2023 (4.0%).
  • Overall job growth slower than the previous year.
  • Some industries, like healthcare and education, maintained similar growth patterns.

Compare to Previous Month:

  • Unemployment rate remained unchanged from December 2023.
  • Minor fluctuations in job growth across various sectors.

Future Outlook:

The future trajectory of Evanston’s job market remains uncertain due to broader economic factors. However, the city’s diversified economy and focus on innovation position it well for continued stability. Growth is expected in healthcare, technology, and professional services, while caution is advised in retail and certain manufacturing sectors.

10 Growing Occupations:

  1. Registered Nurses
  2. Home Health Aides and Personal Care Aides
  3. Marketing Specialists
  4. Software Developers and Applications Developers
  5. Teachers, Special Education
  6. Preschool Teachers
  7. Accountants and Auditors
  8. Physician Assistants
  9. Financial Analysts
  10. Management Analysts

10 Companies Hiring Now:

  1. NorthShore University HealthSystem
  2. Northwestern University
  3. City of Evanston
  4. AbbVie
  5. Kraft Heinz
  6. Loyola University Chicago
  7. AMITA Health
  8. Walgreens Boots Alliance
  9. State Farm
  10. Northwestern Memorial Hospital

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