Fayetteville, AR – December 2023 Jobs Report – Steady Growth Amidst National Optimism

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The Fayetteville job market saw continued positive momentum in December 2023, adding 7.5 new full-time jobs. This brings the year-end total to 115 new positions, indicating a stable and growing local economy.

Highlights:

  • New Businesses: 7 new businesses opened in December, contributing to the overall economic vibrancy.
  • Healthcare: The healthcare sector continued to be a major driver of job growth, with consistent hiring across various positions.
  • Education: The University of Arkansas and other educational institutions remained significant employers, offering opportunities in research, administration, and support services.
  • Retail & Hospitality: These sectors experienced seasonal fluctuations, with some hiring for the holiday period followed by potential adjustments in January.

Industry and Occupation Trends:

  • Growth: Healthcare & Social Assistance (+2.3%), Trade, Transportation & Utilities (+0.9%), Leisure & Hospitality (+0.3%).
  • Shrinkage: Information (-0.3%), Mining, Logging & Construction (-0.1%).

Compared to December 2022:

  • Total nonfarm employment increased by 3.4%, exceeding the national average of 3.2%.
  • The unemployment rate remained low at 2.3%, slightly higher than the December 2022 rate of 2.0%.

Compared to November 2023:

  • Nonfarm employment saw a slight decrease of 0.5%, potentially reflecting seasonal adjustments.
  • Unemployment rate remained largely unchanged.

Future Outlook:

  • National hiring projections are optimistic for the first half of 2024, suggesting potential for continued job growth in Fayetteville.
  • Local economic development initiatives, such as the Startup Junkie program, aim to foster entrepreneurship and create new employment opportunities.

10 Growing Occupations:

  1. Registered Nurses
  2. Home Health and Personal Care Aides
  3. Sales Representatives
  4. Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts
  5. Customer Service Representatives
  6. Elementary and Middle School Teachers
  7. Truck Drivers
  8. Chefs and Cooks
  9. Marketing Specialists
  10. Physical Therapist Assistants

10 Companies Hiring Now:

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